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 (2026-2027) 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 (2026-2027) 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
Check back in the new school year.
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!
Empower Mentorship Program
October 14-15, 2026
March 31-April 1, 2027
Are you interested in being paired with an ETFO mentor?
Empower is a new mentorship program for aspiring Black leaders, designed to build capacity and increase the representation of Black members in leadership positions locally, provincially, and in the broader labour movement.
Indigenous Women’s Mentorship Program
October 14-15, 2026
Women members can apply to be mentors to share their experience and knowledge, while First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women members are encouraged to apply to be mentees. Successful applicants will explore union leadership opportunities, build knowledge of ETFO, social justice, and the broader labour movement, connect with a mentor for guidance and support, and discover new pathways for activism, leadership, and involvement within the Federation.
Curriculum Conference: Big Learning in Kindergarten
October 8-9, 2026
ETFO’s curriculum conference features dynamic workshops highlighting evidence-based practices and effective instruction to implement the Kindergarten curriculum, with a special focus on women educators.
Registration opens Aug. 27 and closes Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.
Occasional Teacher Conference – Every Day Ready: Supporting Occasional Teachers in Building Effective Classrooms
October 23-24, 2026
Every Day Ready is a two-day professional learning conference that will equip occasional teachers with practical and actionable strategies centred on connection and creating success from the moment they walk through the classroom door.
Registration opens Aug. 27 and closes Sept. 11.
Fall Anti-Oppressive Framework Program
October 7-8, 2026
Members will participate in workshops and discuss how anti-oppressive training can be integrated within the educational system and the broader labour movement. Participants will delve into ETFO’s Anti-Oppressive Framework primer through case studies and practical examples that will assist them in their local and their future union leadership endeavours.
Registration reopens Sept. 1 to Sept 11.
Lateral Violence (WP)
October 22-23, 2026
ETFO invites members to attend a two-day Women’s Program addressing lateral violence in the workplace and community. This workshop provides training specific to lateral violence through a trauma-informed lens to support culturally safe workplaces.
Registration opens Aug. 27 and closes Sept. 8.
Visions Program
October 22-23, 2026
April 22-23, 2027
This exciting program for women members in their first five years highlights union involvement and focuses on developing an anti-oppressive and feminist framework. Participants will build their knowledge of ETFO, the broader labour movement, and opportunities for leadership and activism.
Registration opens Aug. 27 and closes Sept. 8.
Leaders for Tomorrow (WP)
October 14-16, 2026
May 26-28, 2027
Leaders for Tomorrow is an intensive, year-long leadership development program for women members from designated groups that is designed within an inclusive and anti-racist/anti-oppressive framework.
This two-session program (three days per session) includes a variety of workshops and experiences related to leadership roles within ETFO at the local and provincial level.
For more information, contact Punita Bhardwaj at pbhardwaj@etfo.org.
Registration opens Aug. 27 and closes Sept. 8.
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
Check back in the new school year.
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