FROM THE EDITOR


The spring issue of Voice is our climate justice issue, an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of the climate justice movement and chart our way forward as ac- tivists and educators. In this issue, we also reflect on the months ETFO educators have spent at the bargaining table and on the picket lines, fighting to preserve Ontario’s world-renowned public education system. Both these commitments see hope in the fu- ture. As Sam Hammond writes in his article, “Whether we are talking about protecting


the environment or protecting public services and quality public education, it is all of our responsibility to stand up and stand strong.” In this issue’s feature interview, ETFO member and environmentalist Kim Fry speaks


with three young climate justice activists based in Ontario. The activists talk about the intersection of issues such as climate change, reconciliation and feminism, the power of youth voices and the impact of suing the Conservative government for climate inaction. Also in this issue, JoAnne Formanek Gustafson reflects on Indigenous communities in northern Ontario fighting back against the legacy of environmental racism. She talks about the importance, power and creativity of youth voices, particularly those from af- fected communities, and the role of allies as key supporters. In Engagement and Environmental Education, Kimberly Maich shares some of the


classroom strategies she uses to engage and motivate her students to advocate for their own future. In a related article titled The World Needs a Lesson, Sarah Lowes considers the importance and impact of hope, writing that there is growing evidence that children feel hopeless about the future of the planet. “The field of climate change education has more recently been drawing on strategies from Holocaust and genocide education,” she writes, “which also consider the socio-emotional context essential in engaging learners in difficult content, rather than pushing them away.” These articles along with reviews, special climate editions of the crossword and cur- riculum and a photo recap of provincial strike days are sure to make great spring reading.


To a hopeful and constructive future! ETFO Executive Members


PRESIDENT Sam Hammond, Hamilton-Wentworth


FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT Karen Campbell, Elementary Teachers of Toronto


VICE-PRESIDENTS David Mastin, Durham Monica Rusnak, Ontario North East


OTF TABLE OFFICER Nathan Core, Waterloo Region


EXECUTIVE MEMBERS Adelina Cecchin, Greater Essex County Amy Chevis, Simcoe County Mary Fowler, Durham Joy Lachica, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Felicia Samuel, Elementary Teachers of Toronto Sabrina Sawyer, Grand Erie Mario Spagnuolo, Greater Essex County Sylvia Van Campen, Upper Canada Greg Weiler, Waterloo Region Sharon O’Halloran, General Secretary Jerry DeQuetteville, Deputy General Secretary Bobbi Taillefer, Deputy General Secretary


ETFO Voice Izida Zorde, Editor Sharon O’Halloran, Business Manager Michelle Goddard, Advertising Sales David Beyer, Design


Contributors not otherwise credited: Mary Morison, Karen Kindree


Member of the Canadian Association of Labour Media (CALM) and Canadian Education Press Association


Indexed in the Canadian Educational Index / Répertoire canadien sur l’éducation


ISSN: 1481-4072


Articles contained herein reflect the views of the authors and do not necessarily express official policy of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario.


Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply ETFO endorsement of the product or service. Advertising contracts are subject to cancellation if members complain.


Publications Mail Agreement no. 42409515. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:


136 Isabella Street Toronto, ON M4Y 0B5


Phone: 416-962-3836 or 1-888-838-3836 E-mail: etfovoice@etfo.org etfovoice.ca


Printed by Thistle Printing on FSC certified, 10% post-consumer content; Carbon Lite and Green-e®


certified renewable energy paper. 4 ETFO VOICE | SPRING 2020


PHOTO BY KATHRYN GAITENS


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52