District 8—Avon Maitland

The Educational Support Staff Professionals (ESSP) Bargaining Unit is made up of several work groups including:

• Child and youth workers (CYWs)
• Designated early childhood educators (DECEs)
• Educational assistants (EAs)
• Office/Clerical
• Tech/Technical resource assistants (TRA)

What is one of the biggest challenges your members face in their work?

One of the biggest challenges mem­bers face is the lack of adequate resources and support. They are often responsible for a wide range of tasks, from assisting students with special needs to managing school operations, yet they frequently encounter insufficient staffing levels and limited access to necessary tools and training. This can lead to a high workload and stress, making it difficult to meet the diverse needs of students and maintain an effective learning environment. Additionally, the lack of recognition and understanding of their roles can sometimes lead to them feeling undervalued despite their essential contributions to the school community. All of this is a direct result of underfunding by the Ford government.

What is one particularly unique thing about your Bargaining Unit that you think our members probably don’t know?

One particularly unique aspect of District 8 ESSP Bargaining Unit that members might not know is the diversity of roles it encompasses. While many might associate support staff primarily with educational assistants or school secretaries, the ESSP Bargaining Unit includes a wide range of specialized positions. This can include technical resource assistants who help manage school libraries and support technology initiatives, hardware technicians, IT trainers, and network technicians who ensure that a school’s technology infrastructure is running smoothly, and child and youth workers who provide crucial mental health and behavioural support to students. We also represent the clerical employees under the Avon Maitland District School Board Education Centre including accounts payable associates, purchasing, secretary, community use associates, Centre for Employment and Learning secretaries, and e-registrars who make sure all school bills are paid, products are purchased, and all the alternative programs run smoothly.

This diversity means that the Bargaining Unit is involved in nearly every aspect of the school environment, contributing to both the academic and emotional development of students from JK to adult learning. Members might be surprised to learn how interconnected these roles are and how they collectively contribute to a holistic educational experience. This uniqueness highlights the comprehensive support network within schools that goes beyond the classroom, playing a critical part in students’ overall success and well-being.

Describe some of the value your Bargaining Unit (and District) get from being part of the OSSTF/FEESO community.

Being part of the OSSTF/FEESO community provides value to the Bargaining Unit and District. This includes a strong, collective voice in advocating for fair working conditions, equitable policies, and adequate resources for support staff. OSSTF/FEESO offers legal support, professional development opportunities, and access to resources that help members stay informed and engaged with current educational issues.

Describe one misconception members of the public and/or the OSSTF/FEESO membership may have about the work your members do—and correct that misconception.

Members of the Federation and the community in general often don’t realize that support staff are integral to the daily functioning and success of schools. They include educational assistants who work directly with students, particularly those with special needs, providing individualized support that enables these students to participate and succeed in the classroom. The general public would be appalled to see the Kevlar some EAs must wear—they could be mistaken for members of a SWAT team with the gear that is required. There is also a misconception about the difficulty of these jobs, both physical and emotional/mental. Our students are dependent on the dedication of all our members who take on some of the most difficult and important roles in supporting student success. We are an integral part of the whole team of education professionals providing services to students.

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Cheryl Rader (she/her)
e-Registrar, District 8, Avon Maitland