The ETFO (Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario) recently announced a new tentative bargaining agreement with the Ontario government, which is set to benefit thousands of Ontario teachers. The agreement comes after months of negotiation and will provide various improvements and benefits to teachers throughout Ontario.
One significant element of the agreement is the increase in salary for teachers. The new agreement includes a 1% increase in salary every year for the next three years, which will help teachers to keep up with the rising cost of living in Ontario.
The agreement also includes several changes that will improve the working conditions of teachers. One of the most significant changes is the reduction in class sizes, with the maximum class size for grades 4 to 8 being reduced from 29 students to 27 students. This will allow teachers to provide more individualized attention to each student, leading to potentially better learning outcomes.
Furthermore, the agreement includes funding for more support staff, such as mental health professionals and educational assistants, which will help to meet the growing needs of students in Ontario. The agreement also provides increased funding for special education, which will allow teachers to give students with special needs the resources they need to succeed.
While the agreement is undoubtedly beneficial for teachers, it will also benefit students throughout Ontario. The reduction in class sizes and increased funding for support staff will help to ensure every student has access to the resources they need to succeed. The increased focus on mental health resources will also provide much-needed support for students struggling with mental health issues.
In conclusion, the ETFO bargaining agreement is an important step forward for Ontario teachers and students. The agreement includes several improvements and benefits that will improve the working conditions of teachers and provide better resources for students. The agreement is a testament to the importance of valuing educators and investing in the education system as a whole.
