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
ETFO-YR Call for Presenters Applications
Due by October 28, 2026
Information/Registration Details – Click here
Pension and Retirement Planning Workshop
Monday, November 30, 2026 5-7pm
Stonehaven Banquet Hall, Aurora (Map)
Event/Registration Details – Click here
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!
Native Language Gathering
November 10-11, 2026
Native Language Gathering is a year-long professional learning opportunity for members currently teaching Indigenous languages.
Participants will connect with colleagues, share best practices, develop language resources and teaching strategies, and explore a professional inquiry through collaborative in-person and virtual learning.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
Campaign Training for Members for Designated Groups
November 12-13, 2026
Are you interested in running for the ETFO provincial Executive? ETFO is pleased to offer a training program for members of designated groups who are committed to seeking election to the ETFO provincial Executive.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
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.
Think on Your Feet Ready: Supporting Occasional Teachers in Building Effective Classrooms
November 4-5, 2026
Members are invited to register for the Think on Your Feet® women’s program, which is designed to transform how you think, write, speak, and lead. Learn how to structure your thoughts to enable clear, concise, on-the-spot communication that makes an immediate impact on the listener.
Registration closes Oct. 7 at 9 a.m.
Anti-Oppressive Framework Women’s Program
November 4-5, 2026
This two-day leadership training conference is for women members who are committed to becoming involved in their union and creating a just society.
Successful completion of the course is a prerequisite for Collective Bargaining Academy, Parliamentarian Training, and Union School
Registration closes Oct. 7.
Union School 2026-2027
November 5-6, 2026 and March 4-5, 2027
Enhance your leadership skills, deepen your knowledge of ETFO, and gather new organizing tools!
Union School is a transformative leadership-development program designed to give you the skills and confidence to be more involved in your union. The program involves guest speakers, skill-development workshops, assignments, and sharing experiences.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
Growing Leadership
November 26-27, 2026
Be part of a journey! The Growing Leadership program is a two-day workshop for women members from designated groups who are interested in pursuing professional leadership opportunities such as workshop facilitation and resource development as a next step in their career.
Registration opens Oct. 7 and closes Oct. 21.
An Ounce of Prevention Kindergarten Conference
November 6-7, 2026
In this two-day Professional Relations Services (PRS) conference, participants will deepen their understanding of play-based learning; investigate approaches to support language and math thinking; examine the newly updated curriculum expectations; gain insight into the rights and responsibilities associated with Kindergarten; and more!
Registration closes Oct. 7 at 9 a.m.
Women’s Collective Bargaining Issues – Level 1
November 10-11, 2026
This entry-level conference will provide opportunities for women to learn about collective bargaining and the negotiation process, understand the importance of upholding the collective agreement, and explore different ways to get involved in collective bargaining.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
Mapping the Way: The Nuts’n’ Bolts of Addressing Anti-Black Racism
November 6, 2026
ETFO is excited to offer this one-day program for local leaders and executives who are seeking to address anti-Black racism in their locals.
A variety of topics will be explored, such as the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Dreams Delayed report and calls to action, how to develop an anti-Black racism strategic plan, creating and working with focus groups, member engagement, and steps to organizing a symposium/community event.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
Leadership Forum for Black Women Members – Part I
November 18-19, 2026
Members who identify as Black women are invited to participate in an exciting two-day forum with the goal of increasing their participation and activism in ETFO.
This program will also provide an opportunity to identify and explore leadership skills, network, and engage in learning experiences directly related to leadership roles within the education sector.
Registration opens Oct. 7 and closes Oct. 21.
Racialized Members Conference
November 11-12, 2026
This two-day leadership conference is for racialized members who are committed to becoming involved in their union and creating a just society.
Members will participate in workshops, discuss strategies to build networks within the educational system and the broader labour movement, and discover opportunities for further union involvement.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
ETFO’s Technology Conference: Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Education
November 27-28, 2026
Learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping teaching, learning, and the education landscape in this year’s exciting edition of the annual Information Communication Technology Conference.
Registration closes Oct. 21.
Social Justice and Equity Conference for Men Educators
November 13-14, 2026
This year’s conference will explore the perils of online spaces and the proliferation of harmful narratives about masculinity that are impacting boys.
Workshops will equip educators with the knowledge and tools to engage boys in conversations about equity, allyship, and inclusion in ways that invite curiosity rather than defensiveness and foster positive notions of identity and belonging.
Registration closes Oct. 7.
The arts build tomorrow’s thinkers
ETFO believes the arts deserve full funding and passionate specialist educators. Explore our arts resources with lessons like:
Chalk (P/J): Integrating Dance, Music, and Visual Arts through creative problem-solving.
Dance (J/I): Lessons that build body awareness, expression, movement vocabulary, and energy exploration. Elements include Space, Timbre, Dynamics, Articulation, Body, and Energy.
Find all lesson plans at members.etfo.ca under Classroom Resources.
Printed copies of these comprehensive, 100-page resources are available for $7 each at shop.etfo.ca.
Save the date: ETFO’s Arts Conference, May 7-8, 2027.
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.
PRS Matters – Privacy in the workplace: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
ETFO Resources
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