I, Erin Thibodeau, am running to be your District Officer. Since 2006, I have been a Secondary Teacher in UCDSB with a focus on math, science, and special education. I have worked in various schools in our board throughout my career (BCI, TISS, GISS, Athens DHS, Rideau DHS, SGDHS, as well as Con Ed through TR Leger). Changing schools often has allowed me to meet many OSSTF members across our board, fostering relationships and building connections. I have gained perspective and learned of the many local issues within the board as well as individual schools. I have mentored new staff on our collective agreement, their rights, how the staffing process works, and what can be expected. I have assisted teachers when in crisis, more recently related to the stress of covid and the unrealistic expectations that were imposed by the school board. Helping them navigate the transition to teaching online and providing resources to support mental health.
In addition to working as a full-time teacher, I have also been your TBU Treasurer on the TBU Executive since 2021. I have been an active TBU Executive member speaking for and against motions on our members’ behalf. Along with my committee, I have explored the use of the TBU reserve fund, created new constitutional language and created AGM motions. As your Treasurer, I have immersed myself in union operations and local issues and always have our members’ best interests at the fore front of my mind. On Executive I have brought forward the issues of inequity in spilt classes among teachers within schools. Advocating for spilt classes to be equally distributed, resulting in a grievance being filed. I have firsthand experience advocating to our school board, for suitable work accommodations and respect. As your District Officer I will fight for your rights as hard as I’ve had to fight for my own and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
My journey began as a member on the Service Review Committee which sparked my interest for the TBU Treasurer position. Since then, I have attended the last 2 OSSTF Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA) where I networked with Provincial Executive representatives and other union leaders. I learned the process of our provincial union and how to write motions and create positive change. Over the winter I attended the Protective Services Committee (PSC) Regional to strengthen my knowledge of the steps and strategies involved in the bargaining process. I am confident in my learning and will continue to grow and develop my skills to be able to fairly represent our members during the next round of bargaining. The Regional also provided me with equity training and mental health advocacy skills and strategies. I have previously taken courses in both these areas, and this training helped to solidify and strengthen my previous knowledge. This Spring I attended the PSC Conference where I focused on human rights arbitration, WSIB, LTD, and sick leave training along with language writing during bargaining. I have taken courses in crisis management and conflict resolution outside of OSSTF. This training along with the workshops will aid me in dealing with a multitude of situations and directly support my new role as your next District Officer.
I am an extremely organized, hardworking, and reliable individual who works very well with others. I’ve been told I have a quiet confidence which enables others to speak freely knowing I will listen and be supportive. I am a good listener and I understand that truly listening to the members is a key requirement of this role. I have excellent computer skills which include being well versed in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) as well Canva, Adobe, Google Docs and Zoom. As District Officer I will rely on these skills in the creation of our monthly newsletter, tracking data, creating engaging invites to workshops, and networking with members and the board. I have my intermediate and senior Math qualifications which will assist me when dealing with budget, discussing financials related to retirement and other leaves, as well as creating spreadsheets to track data. As District Officer, I want you to feel open to express your opinions, thoughts, and ideas. It’s your union and as your District Officer, I fight for you!
I can be reached at 613-876-0383 or erinthibodeau18@gmail.com. I am happy to answer any questions and show you why you should vote for me as your next District Officer.