STA Executive Chair:
Mandart Chan
The BCTF is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, we accept and act on our broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province we live in, and we do this in the interests of the children we teach.
A social justice union advocates for social change that will enhance equity, security and safety, sustainability of communities, participation of citizens in social change, and access to opportunities for personal growth and development.
The social justice initiatives of the Federation focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention. In addition, the Federation has an advisory committee on Aboriginal education.
TEACHER ACTIVISM:
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Hi everyone,
Here is an important petition addressed to the Ministry of Education asking them to mandate two days of in-service training on TRC and UNDRIP in the 2021-2022 school year for all K to12 school district staff in public and independent school systems.
| As you may have heard, the bodies of 215 murdered Indigenous youth and children were revealed at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc. As settlers we have to dig deep and ask ourselves, what role has education played in the genocide of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island? It is only when we confront and accept the truth, that we can move forward in Reconciliation. We send love and condolences to our Indigenous colleagues, students, and supporters, who have to relive the trauma of colonization on a daily basis. AOEC commits to doing better. In this spirit, please find our open letter to the Ministry of Education, demanding two days of in-service for the 2021/2022 school year to focus on reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples To read our full letter, visit www.aoec.ca. We must read, learn and reckon. We ask that you join our call by signing and amplifying our petition. This demand is for settlers in the K-12 education system, please find our letter of love to our Indigenous colleagues on our website, we commit to doing better for you and our students. |
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| Teacher Activism: What Does it Look Like?Are you wondering what practical teacher activism resembles? Come and learn how educators Monica, Nikitha, Ramona, Trevor and Kenneth are transforming pedagogy and student learning experiences through collaboration, ally-ship, organizing and resource sharing. Remember, best educators don’t limit themselves into their traditional classroom walls! Wednesday, June 23, 20215:00-6:00pmFind the link to register here: https://educ.ubc.ca/news-events/ |
Vancouver Island K-12 Teacher GSA:
Are you a teacher that identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community? If so, we welcome you to join the Vancouver Island K-12 Teacher GSA. This is a safe and private group. All of us are here to learn, grow, and create a supportive environment together. Here, you can ask questions, share stories/resources, have healthy discussions, and feel supported by fellow teachers.https://www.facebook.com/groups/vik12gsa
SOGI EVENTS:
Hello SOGI Champions,
Registration is now open for our upcoming 2021 Island SOGI Summit!
Please join us on Friday Monday May 17th and Tuesday May 18th for an event that will bring together staff and students to connect about the importance of SOGI-inclusive education. The Summit will be an opportunity to hear from 2SLGBTQ+ community leaders, learn from students and staff who are making a difference in their schools, and have fun and connect virtually with people across the Island. We have planned a full event with learning, connecting, growing, and connecting about all things SOGI.
To participate, register here.
The attached poster as well as agenda can be used to help promote the event. Use the blank space on the poster to write in the best person at your school to coordinate registration, for example the SOGI Lead or GSA sponsor.
LOCATION (VIRTUAL): Zoom
DATES AND TIMES: Monday May 17th from 12-3 PM and Tuesday May 18th from 9AM – 1PM
PROGRAM: See attached agenda for an overview of what the event will include. Zoom links will be provided upon registration.
COST: FREE to students, educators, and school staff in the Vancouver Island (including Gulf Islands and Powell River) region.
REGISTRATION: To guarantee your space at our virtual conference, please RSVP HERE no later than May 10th
The fine print:
Attendees are welcome to attend as much or as little as the event allows.
All the details such as how to connect will be shared closer to the Summit.
Registration will be promoted via school contacts only to ensure that attendance is limited to the schools in the region and to support a safer space.
While ARC is hosting this virtual event, each school or district will determine how to support attendance and registration such as:
- Creating a physical space for staff and students to attend together,
- Supporting students and staff to attend virtually, or,
- Any permission or approval that is required to participate instead of attending class.
Thank you to everyone who help to plan this event, and to everyone who will participating. We look forward to connecting with you!
Scout Gray | SOGI 1 2 3 Lead, ARC Foundation
They/them/theirs
www.arcfoundation.ca | www.SOGIeducation.org
