Partner Blog: Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/FEESO)

The OLIP Interns had the great fortune to meet with Dan Earle from the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), a crucial partner of OLIP.  

OSSTF is a union representing approximately 60,000 secondary school teachers and education workers in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. The federation advocates for educators’ rights, collective bargaining, and public education policies. It also provides professional development, legal support, and resources to its members. OSSTF is actively involved in education reform, equity initiatives, and political advocacy to strengthen Ontario’s education system. 

OSSTF is committed to protecting and enhancing public education. As they explained to us, a strong public education system is necessary to support our diverse, open and prosperous society. Hardworking and committed teachers and educational workers are foundational to student success, and these teachers rely on positive learning and working conditions to facilitate educational progress.  

Our meeting provided valuable insight into the current initiatives and considerations of the OSSTF as they work towards their mission of supporting the Ontario system of education in its continual progress and evolution. A particular point of interest was the efforts to adapt to modern innovation, where we discussed the ongoing attention to the adoption of technological advancements into the teaching process. 

Teachers have an incredibly important and necessary role in fostering positive learning environments that facilitate the success and development of younger generations. We want to express our profound gratitude to the OSSTF for the critical role they play in supporting the teachers of Ontario. Additionally, we are incredibly grateful for their support of the Ontario Legislature Internship Programme. Your partnership with us has helped to bolster our education in Ontario governance.  

Thank you to Dan Earle for your time and to OSSTF for everything you do for OLIP and Ontario!