From isolation to connection—the realities and resilience of OSSTF/FEESO Members in Districts 5A & 5B

Responses provided by Cindy Hayward, President of District 5A, Northern Shield and by John Gibson, President of District 5B, Rainy River.

Across the vast and geographically diverse regions of District 5A Northern Shield and District 5B Rainy River, OSSTF/FEESO Members face a variety of challenges that reflect both the uniqueness of their communities and the strength of their commitment to public education. While the physical distance between schools and communities is vast, the dedication, creativity, and compassion of the Members are deeply connected through shared struggles and values.

Challenges in the North: more than distance

Members in both Districts grapple with issues that go far beyond the classroom. In District 5A, recruiting qualified Education Assistants (EAs) is a consistent struggle, particularly in remote communities. The lack of local training opportunities means many EAs are underprepared for the complex and often high-needs roles they take on, frequently without proper support or respect from school board leaders. Compounding this is the ever-present issue of violence in the workplace, which disproportionately affects Education Assistants (EAs) who work with vulnerable student populations.

In District 5B, student attendance emerges as one of the biggest challenges. Students often miss vital learning and support opportunities due to chronic absenteeism. Access to health care is another major concern. With some Members driving hours for basic medical, dental, or specialist care, scheduling appointments around school hours is nearly impossible, adding another layer of stress for educators and families alike. Additionally, school infrastructure projects sometimes proceed without meaningful consultation with educators, resulting in impractical learning environments such as music classes held in gyms or inadequate classroom space for destreamed programs.

Geographic and community-based uniqueness

Both Bargaining Units share a unique reality that sets them apart from the rest of the province: time zones. In District 5A, communities are geographically dispersed and often isolated, making member engagement a logistical challenge. Members may drive for hours through wildlife-filled stretches of highway to visit another school. In District 5B, things get even more interesting—some Members work in Central Daylight Time while others, like those in Atikokan, follow Eastern Standard Time year-round. That means during certain parts of the year, schools in the same district are actually an hour apart in time.

District 5B Members also live and work in Treaty #3 territory, home to the Métis of Rainy River and Rainy Lake, Canada’s only Métis community recognized in a historic treaty. And perhaps in a nod to how far Members go, literally and figuratively, District 5B is home to the endpoint of Yonge Street, once recognized as the longest street in the world, stretching from Toronto to Rainy River.

In District 5A, the “village” truly comes together to run the schools. In some communities, a single EA might also serve as the librarian, office administrator, bus driver, and even emergency supply teacher. It’s an all-hands-on-deck spirit that reflects the deep commitment Members have to their students and schools.

The strength of union connection

For both Districts, being part of the broader OSSTF/FEESO community is a powerful source of strength and validation. In District 5A, the connection to a larger organization reminds Members of their value and worth—especially important for those working in isolated settings. In District 5B, access to knowledgeable and responsive provincial staff has been essential in navigating complex issues, from grievance processes to organizing and training.

Whether it’s learning from provincial leaders like Karen Littlewood and Tracey Germa or participating in local sessions with OSSTF/FEESO experts, both Districts emphasize how the Federation helps bridge the gap between remote communities and the larger provincial picture.

Busting myths: the work behind the scenes

There’s a persistent misconception about what Education Workers actually do. While the public, and sometimes even coworkers, may understand the role of a teacher, they often overlook the deep and vital contributions of support staff. In District 5A, EAs build relationships with students who face significant challenges, often in the face of daily violence, and yet continue to show up with compassion and care. Office, Clerical, and Library (OCL) staff are often the heart of a school—welcoming, organizing, and guiding everyone who enters. Librarians maintain safe, resource-rich hubs that are essential to student learning and wellbeing, despite ongoing threats to their positions.

In District 5B, OSSTF/FEESO Members are just as active outside the school walls as they are inside. From coaching teams to contributing to local arts and cultural initiatives, members play a key role in the broader fabric of their communities.

Final thought

The educators and support staff of Districts 5A and 5B exemplify what it means to serve with dedication and heart in challenging circumstances. Despite geographic isolation, staffing shortages, and systemic underappreciation, they remain resilient and united, powered by their commitment to students, communities, and each other.

Written by Audrey Bourque (elle/she/her), OSSTF/FEESO Publications Manager and art direction of Education Forum