Workshop Registration Policy:
ETFO-YR Fair Distribution Policy (email registration with no required payment):
- For all registration requests received by 3pm on the (anticipated) 6th (sixth) day after the flyer has been picked up by the Board courier, names will be drawn by lottery; otherwise registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The cut-off date for the lottery shall be clearly indicated on the flyer
- For professional learning workshops (with release time), preference will be given to those members who have not already attended a release-time workshop in the current school year.
- Successful applicants and applicants on the waiting list will be notified.
PL FUNDING
ETFO-YR provides funding for the Professional Learning of its members, according to ETFO-YR Policies on Financial Assistance to Members. Funding Assistance is available in 2 different categories: ETFO-sponsored PL, and non-ETFO PL. Funding for ETFO-sponsored PL can be applied for once per school year (July 1 – June 30) and covers registration up to $300 (no expenses or supply coverage). Non-ETFO funding assistance is limited: up to $300 to cover the cost of registration only (no expenses or supply coverage), and you can receive non-ETFO funding assistance once every two (2) years.
PLEASE NOTE that in both categories, the application for funding assistance must be received by ETFO-YR BEFORE the PL activity is completed. Also, please be aware that ETFO-YR will not provide funding assistance for AQ courses with a registration cost of less than $500.
PLEASE NOTE that ETFO-YR:
- shall not provide PL Funding Assistance for PL Opportunities offered by the OPC;
- shall not provide funding assistance for any AQ courses with a registration cost less than $500; and
- shall not provide funding assistance for AQ courses where members receive or are provided with a subsidy from another organization (this includes AQ’s where members can apply for the OTF AQ subsidy).
Funding Assistance for ETFO-Sponsored PL:
Print the (2025-2026) Application for Financial Sponsorship to Attend ETFO PL form
Send the completed form to the ETFO-YR office in Aurora by Board courier, email jmuirbirtles@etfo-yr.on.ca or by fax (905-727-2637), ATTN: Jennifer Muir Birtles. Your application will be processed and a letter will be sent to you by Board courier indicating the status of your application. Your application will be processed and a letter will be sent to you by Board courier indicating the status of your application.
Funding Assistance for non-ETFO-Sponsored PD:
Print the (2025-2026) Application for Funding Assistance to attend a non-ETFO-Sponsored PL form.
You will need to submit this completed form, along with a copy of the conference/workshop registration (showing price, date, title, etc.). Please note that the application form MUST be signed by your principal (he or she MUST indicate what, if any, monies you are receiving from the school, even if the answer is $0) in order for your application to be processed (this proves that you have asked the Board for PD funds).
Send the 2 forms listed above to the ETFO-YR office in Aurora by Board courier, email jmuirbirtles@etfo-yr.on.ca or by fax (905-727-2637), ATTN: Jennifer Muir Birtles. Your application will be processed and a letter will be sent to you by Board courier indicating the status of your application. Your application will be processed and a letter will be sent to you by Board courier indicating the status of your application.
New ETFO-YR Member Lunch Programme
ETFO-YR Stewards have the opportunity to treat new ETFO-YR members to lunch. Information about the programme, and the application form can be found in the Local Stewards Binder Insert.
ETFO-YR Workshops/Events
Tuesday, March 25, 2026
Enhancing Core French Classroom- Strategies, Tools, and Management Workshop
Info/Registration Info
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Interacting with the World Around Us (Coding)
Info/Registration Info
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Better Reading Now – Presented by Larry Swartz
Info/Registration Info
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Adolescents: How to Reach Them-How to Teach Them
Info/Registration Info
Friday, April 17, 2026
MLL Workshop
Info/Registration Info
Monday, April 20, 2026
Teaching Arts in the Elementary Panel
Info/Registration Info
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Pension & Retirement Workshop
Info/Registration Info
Provincial Events
Professional Learning Events
ETFO is proud to offer a variety of relevant, high-quality programs designed to inform, connect, and inspire members. As our programs grow in popularity, please register only for sessions you plan to attend so more members can take part.
You can find a full listing of programs in the Professional Learning Calendar at members.etfo.ca.
Thank you for staying engaged – your participation makes our education community stronger!
Putting Young Minds First
April 23, 2026
Putting Young Minds First: An ETFO Symposium on Student Mental Health will consider the changing student mental health landscape through presentations and panels featuring experts in the field.
This one-day program is open to members and non-members.
Registration opens Feb. 9 and closes March 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Women’s CB Issues – Level II
March 26-27, 2026
This conference for members who identify as women builds on the skills and knowledge from Women’s CB Issues, Level I:
- learn more about collective bargaining issues specific to women
- further explore your personal bargaining interests
- expand your knowledge of collective bargaining and the negotiations process
- delve into the importance of upholding the collective agreement
Registration opens Feb. 12 and closes Feb. 23.
Advanced Public Speaking Skills for Women
May 21- 22, 2026
This advanced-level training is designed for ETFO women members who wish to enhance their public speaking skills beyond a basic level as part of their leadership work in the union and community. The program focuses on voice work, overcoming nervousness, structuring speeches/messaging, the importance of integrating stories, engaging audiences, and managing questions.
Register between March 26 and April 7
Teach, Act, Belong and Sustain: ETFO’s 2026 Climate Justice Conference
February 27-28, 2026
Join us for a dynamic climate justice conference designed to bring this critical conversation into the classroom.
With workshops for all learners—whether you’re new, experienced, or leading—there’s space for everyone to engage and take action on a challenge that shapes our present and future.
Check events.etfo.org for more information.
Educating for Social Justice (WP)
March 5-6, 2026
This two-day Professional Learning/Curriculum (PLC) conference supports women members interested in building their knowledge of social justice and equity-focused classroom practice.
Members will participate in an engaging keynote with Dolana Mogadime, professor at Brock University, and develop a deeper understanding of teaching and learning about social justice through sessions that highlight ETFO resources that support anti-oppressive practices in the classroom.
Registration closes Feb. 2 at 5:00 p.m.
Putting Young Minds First
Save the Date: April 23
ETFO is hosting a symposium on student mental health. This one-day program is open to members and non-members.
Keep an eye out for more information and registration details coming soon!
Visit events.etfo.org
to learn about our other upcoming programs.
Next Steps Leadership Program 2026
February 24-25, 2026
Equity and Women’s Services is offering an evening and one-day training opportunity for members who identify as women and are from other designated groups. The Next Steps leadership program provides a space for personal and professional growth. This year’s focus is on transformational conflict resolution.
Registration opens Jan. 8 and closes Jan. 28.
Resisting Resilience
March 6-7, 2026
This conference will enable members to recognize the difference between healthy resilience and enduring unhealthy work conditions.
It will empower participants to advocate for meaningful improvements in their own workplaces.
Registration opens Jan. 19 and closes Feb. 2.
Annual Leadership Symposium for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Women:
March 24-25, 2026
Women members who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit are invited to attend the 10th Annual Leadership Symposium on March 24-25, 2026.
Join us for this leadership gathering to help you grow, connect, and become more involved in your union.
Registration opens Jan. 12 and closes Jan. 23.
Gearing Up! – New Member Orientation Conference
April 15, 9:00 – 3:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:30 pm
April 16, 9:00 – 3:00 pm
ETFO Provincial Office, Toronto
Please post and circulate information about this upcoming event to encourage women members who identify as a member of an equity deserving group and are in their first five years with ETFO to attend. This is an opportunity to learn about the union and get involved!
Visit events.etfo.org to learn more and apply by March 16.
For more information, contact Denise Hammond at dhammond@etfo.org.
Professional Learning Update
We’re proud to offer a variety of relevant, high-quality programs designed to inform, connect, and inspire ETFO members. As our programs grow in popularity, please register only for sessions you plan to attend so more members can take part.
You can find a full listing of programs in the Professional Learning Calendar at members.etfo.ca.
Thank you for staying engaged – your participation makes our education community stronger!
Provincial Workshops
Women’s Health and Safety Conference
January 23, 2025
ETFO Provincial Office
This conference supports the leadership development of women members to gain insights, skills, and confidence dealing with health and safety issues in the context of sex and gender.
Members will learn about occupational health and safety advocacy and be empowered to exercise their rights in the workplace to support safer worksites for everyone.
To learn more and apply, please visit events.etfo.org.
The application deadline is December 6, 2024.
PRS Matters – Privacy in the workplace: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Become a Presenter on the Road!
Presenters on the Road (POTR) offers quality workshops in partnership with ETFO locals across the province. All workshops are developed by members for members.
We are looking for new workshops to expand our existing POTR catalogue. Have a great idea you want to share? Learn how to apply.
For more information, please contact Tara Zwolinski.
Rethinking outdoor learning, new on etfopley.ca
ETFO’s Professional Learning in the Early Years (PLEY) website offers a wealth of professional learning materials in a fresh, user-friendly design.
The latest resources is a new PLEY Chat on rethinking outdoor learning. It features members talking about how outdoor learning provides a rich and dynamic context for children to learn and grow, fostering their development across multiple domains, nurturing a connection to nature and offering a springboard to engage in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Dive into a diverse array of videos, peruse our photo gallery, and embark on virtual classroom tours.
Visit etfopley.ca today!
Assessment website new content alert!
We’ve added some great videos to the Assessment for Learning section of the ETFO Members Sharing in Assessment website.
The new videos complement the numerous assessment tools and professional materials available to members on this user-friendly and easy-to-navigate site. Visit etfoassessment.ca today.
ETFO AQ course registration – Fall 2025
ETFO AQ courses continue to offer focused, current, and practical courses built on a strong foundation of professional learning and community.
Check with your board about any subsidies that might be available to you for AQ courses.
Fall registration closes on September 9, 2025. Courses begin on September 16, 2025.
Visit etfo-aq.ca to register.
ETFO Resources
Early Years Resource series
A new resource, The Power of DECEs in Kindergarten, has been added to the Early Years Resource Series. The goal of these resources is to support our members working in Kindergarten by highlighting the integral role of the Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE) as well as the importance of the Kindergarten team relationship.
These resources can be used as advocacy tools by members as they engage in conversations. There is information from a variety of sources including ETFO resources and Ministry documents.
The Early Years Resource series is available on both etfo.ca and etfopley.ca.
Educator Blogs
- The power of positive reflection
by Brenda MacNaughton - The importance of questions: Part 1
by Rashmee Karnad-Jani - What would support for English language learners look like if we built better schools?
by Colleen Elep