Executive Committee Candidate Statements: BCTF AGM 2023

AG M 202

3 BC TEACHERS’ FEDERATION

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

FOR PRESIDENT CLINT JOHNSTON Chilliwack EXPERIENCE

International: CTF Delegation Head, EI World Congress; ISTP 2018; Bolivia 2016

National: CTF Vice-President 5x

Provincial: BCTF First & Second VicePresident, Member-at-Large

Local: President & other

Teaching: 20 yrs; BEd Elementary & BHK (UBC)

BUILDING ON PROGRESS

This past year saw us ratify a new contract, establish a new Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office (ARAOO), and collectively affect trustee elections across our province. These are three achievements that we should celebrate, but also build on. Because that is what union work is all about: working together to make gains that can be built on to move us all forward.

Trustee elections brought relief for many, but not all, locals dealing with adversarial boards. Colleagues in Nechako and Prince George are now pushing back against some shocking actions by trustees in their districts. This work is far from over, and we must continue to engage our full political voice to push change toward fully inclusive and equitable education spaces for all.

Our new contract has many improvements for members, but there remain significant gaps in workload, seemingly frozen at the bargaining table. We will need to engage every member possible in the hard conversations needed to decide our collective path forward on these issues for next round. And given the untenable demands of a severely understaffed system, this work is vital to ensuring members can stay in the profession, flourish, and support students they way we all want to.

While we push the progressive dial in our communities, we must continue that same work in our own union. The new ARAOO office will help tie together past work of staff and members, and connect it to the work to come. The comprehensive review underway

will provide a clear understanding of where we are at right now, followed by a co-ordinated and coherent plan focused on removing real barriers and addressing identified gaps in supports toward a more equitable, inclusive, and representative union.

It remains a privilege to serve teachers, and I would be humbled to continue to do so.

FOR PRESIDENT JILLIAN MAGUIRE Vancouver Secondary

EXPERIENCE

Local: Long-term Staff Rep, Social-Eco Justice Rep

Teaching: 27 years of teaching both elementary and secondary

Education: BA (Hons.) from Simon Fraser University in English and Psychology

OUR STUDENTS DESERVE A FUTURE

Twenty years ago, a teacher could pilot a new course and buy $5,000 worth of books no problem. There were education assistants for classrooms with designated students. There were EOCs for every teacher absence. Staffrooms had coffee and teachers would gather there to connect during recess. This is not the reality I am experiencing today. Every secondary student will be required to take at least one First Peoples course (finally!) starting in September, but we have yet to see a budget for resources. Elementary teachers are reporting burnout at outrageous levels. In October, Surrey reported over 90 teacher assaults. 90! Our students are not receiving the supports they need to learn safely and teachers are being harmed. Yet we hear nothing in the media about our education crisis. Most people seem to

think that schools are basking in riches now that we have an NDP government, and no one is correcting them. We need a massive media campaign, and that we will have if I am elected President.

I have been a boots-on-the-ground classroom teacher for 27 years. I am a Social and Eco Justice Rep, Staff Rep, and co-founder of the BCTF Divest Now campaign. At our last AGM, delegates voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution directing our Executive to lobby the Teachers’ Pension Plan to divest our dirty pensions from such earth-destroying companies as KinderMorgan, TMX, Chevron, and Coastal Gas Link. Thus far, one letter has been sent. We are in a climate emergency, and I expect our union leadership to act like it. I have spent the last year and a half in

meeting after meeting with divestment specialists. We have a pathway to divestment, but it is going to take some will and some work.

FOR FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT CAROLE GORDON Central Okanagan

EXPERIENCE

Provincial: First VP (current), Second VP (3yrs), Executive (7yrs), Pensions, CTF Trustee, AGM (20yrs)

Local: Executive (Second VP, H&S, Bargaining), Staff Rep

Community: Labour Council President, United Way

Teaching: Prep, classroom, TTOC (since 1991)

EXPERIENCED TEACHER, ADVOCATE, AND LEADER

It’s been an interesting time to transition to First Vice-President, with all table officers moving in to and on to new roles during a bargaining year that included trustee elections and the opening of the new Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Office (ARAOO). I enjoyed engaging members in the processes that led to a successful ratification of the new collective agreement, one that saw improvements in salary and extending pregnancy SEB to all locals.

Workload remains a significant issue in BC and across Canada. The teacher shortage affects access to PD and leaves; it erodes student supports because of internal coverage; and it places increased expectations on all teachers. While the Ministry, employer, and partner groups are all concerned, it’s engagement with members over the

next year that will create a path forward that meets teachers’ needs and benefits students.

The numerous Ministry policy changes and government initiatives require continued advocacy that maintains the values of an equitable, fully funded public education system as a vital component of community supports. We need time to implement the reporting policy so it works for teachers and families. It takes political will to push back against those who want to destroy the amazing SOGI work done by all partner groups both locally and provincially.

We need resources for the Indigenous grad requirement and supports for locally approved courses. Appropriate Indigenous and anti-racism resources and in-service opportunities are needed to ensure schools provide inclusive,

diverse, and safe learning and working environments. With ARAOO’s review of systemic racism, we will continue to strive for the same in our union so all members feel welcome to contribute and lead.

I have demonstrated commitment to supporting members across BC, and it would be a privilege to continue the necessary and hard conversations within the Federation and across public education.

FOR SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT ROBIN TOSCZ AK Greater Victoria

EXPERIENCE

Provincial: Second Vice-President; Member-at-Large; Provincial Bargaining Team; Teacher magazine & TTOC advisory committees, workshop facilitator

Local: Executive (First VP, Grievance Officer, H&S, LR, Treasurer); Labour Council; Contract & Bargaining committees

Teaching: Elementary, ELL, inclusive education

EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP

Representing teachers as your Second Vice-President this year has been a privilege. I’ve appreciated opportunities to connect with members and local leadership from around the province, and to advocate on your behalf at the provincial level.

In this role, I built on the skills, knowledge, and experience I’d gained in a range of positions in my local, including Health and Safety Officer, SecretaryTreasurer, full-time Grievance Officer, and First Vice-President. On topics ranging from bargaining to violence prevention, and from political strategy to long-term financial planning, I understand the diverse responsibilities and needs of local offices, the importance of direct support for members, and the value of organizing and mobilizing for strength and solidarity.

As a lead negotiator on the Provincial Bargaining Team, I brought a capacity to synthesize and communicate complex concepts, to identify new strategies and opportunities, and to effectively engage the employer to achieve gains. As we implement the improvements won in this round, we’re also preparing for the next round. I’m excited about talking with teachers as we strategize together around working conditions and other important issues.

There’s lots to be done away from the bargaining table too. Teacher recruitment and retention remains a priority as we advocate for the conditions that make teaching an attractive and sustainable career. Some issues, like housing, childcare, and the climate crisis, affect workers across sectors, and so we’ll continue working with other unions and

community organizations to advance our shared goals.

In schools and as a union, we’re committed to truth, reconciliation, and antiracism, which require a willingness to be unsettled, learn independently, hold brave conversations, and embrace change. I’m committed to this ongoing work.

Thank you for all you do in your schools, communities, and locals. I look forward to serving alongside you in the coming year.

MORE ABOUT ROBIN

robintosczak.ca facebook.com/rbntzk twitter.com/rbntzk

FOR MEMBERAT-LARGE JO CORNTHWAITE

Nanaimo EXPERIENCE

Provincial: Chair/member of PIAC, Ministry’s COVID Restart Advisory Committee, BCTF workshop developer/ facilitator, TIE-BC Conference Chair

Local: Contract, Professional Issues Officer, PD, Social Justice Chair

Teaching: 24 years elementary classroom and elementary/secondary special education

Education: BA, BEd, MEd Special Education

COMPASSION, STRENGTH, AND DEPENDABILITY

Compassion, strength, and dependability are three of the characteristics I will contribute to the Executive table as your representative as BCTF Member-atLarge. As a Local Vice-President in the Nanaimo District Teachers’ Association, our membership would tell you that I listen and respond to needs, engage in meaningful and supportive dialogue, and assist in challenging times.

I am a second-generation teacher and have taught for 24 years, primarily in special education, which was the focus of my master’s degree. I believe very passionately in inclusive practice and making sure that all members are not only heard but have access to the Federation.

I have been very involved locally and provincially, including chair of the BCTF

Professional Issues Advisory Committee and as a BCTF workshop facilitator and developer. If elected, I look forward to the opportunity of representing the membership at the BCTF Executive Committee.

I believe in the importance of amplifying regional voices, teaching areas, and diverse perspectives. I will do my utmost to support opportunities for greater meaningful participation and representation in the BCTF. Along with my elected colleagues, I want to continue to build a more inclusive Federation, which values unique voices and the varied experiences of members.

I am a person of action and I aim to facilitate positive change. I want to be part of the leadership team that moves from acknowledging experience to

changing practice. This means listening to the needs of locals and sublocals and ensuring the structures of the Federation support the good work that happens across the province of British Columbia. I look forward to hearing from you, the membership, and working with you to grow and strengthen the Federation. I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to being your representative as Member-at-Large at the provincial table.

FOR MEMBERAT-LARGE MARIAH FRANZMANN Prince George

EXPERIENCE

Provincial: BCTF Executive Committee

Member-at-Large, Women in Negotiations, AGM delegate

Local: LR, Member-at-Large, TTOC Rep, Bargaining Team, Early Career LSA VP

Teaching: Elementary music, primary classroom, learning assistance, ELL

Education: BA, BEd, MA Education Policy

STRONG VOICE, FRESH PERSPECTIVE

STRONG VOICE, FRESH PERSPECTIVE

New is not a bad word. There are barriers that early-career members face in leadership positions when they are seen as too new or too young. I see my newness as a strength. As an earlycareer elementary music and classroom teacher, I have a unique perspective that allows me to ask hard questions about the way things are done. The motions I have brought the Executive challenge the status quo or envision a different process or way of communicating, all with the goal of increasing access or engagement for members. I listen with a fresh perspective, and I am always ready to try a new angle.

I worked hard throughout our bargaining round to provide openness and transparency and to centre members’ voices. The deal may be ratified, but the work is

not done. Teachers deserve a workplace that is free from harm, yet we currently have an epidemic of violence in our schools that must be addressed. Earlycareer and new teachers need to know that we are not accepting violence as normal for our profession. Now is the time to be creative, bold, and willing to invest time and resources to organize members in discussions about their working conditions, workload, and their safety.

With a new reporting order, pilot project for seamless day, and concerning FSA data misuse, it is critical that BCTF leadership continually re-evaluates our lobbying strategies and campaign initiatives. Recruitment and retention of teachers is key. Vulnerable learners have lost thousands of hours in service

and non-enrolling teachers have been constantly pulled from their roles because of the teacher shortage. When the Executive Committee discusses ways to address these concerns with the Ministry, it is important to have Members-at-Large at the table who are in classrooms navigating the workload and listening to the experiences of colleagues.

FOR MEMBERAT-LARGE RICK KUMAR Surrey

EXPERIENCE

National: CLC Young Workers Caucus

Provincial: BCTF Agenda/Resolutions

Chair, H&S facilitator, CASJ, Local Representative, BCFED Executive Council, BCFED Young Workers’ Committee Chair, Ombudsperson

Local: Executive, Members of Colour, Grievance, H&S, Young Workers, Pro-D Rep, NWDLC

Teaching: Secondary socials/English/LST

RICK, ON YOUR SIDE

Experience is needed, capacity is built, and I’m here to say I’m ready to lead a new chapter of the BCTF. A chapter that sees young and early-career teachers, teachers of colour, and adult educators are given space, understood, and heard. A chapter that sees its members and works attentively to support and retain teachers in BC classrooms. A chapter that sees public education as the forefront of a just society and is willing to remind the public of that. I bring with me years of experience, commitment, and a passion that has seen results.

I am the son of immigrant settlers who escaped war-torn Fiji; my family settled around the world without any ties to their own land. Growing up the greatgrandson of indentured slavery, I carry with me a history of colonialism that

continues to shape my life. With my mother’s oral stories guiding my path, the right to freedom and sovereignty has been a fundamental truth I’ve always understood. I remain committed to the work I’ve done and continue to do to ensure reconciliation is affected in my own practice, my locals, and in our culture.

Words without action are meaningless.

The BCTF is member-driven and, as we know, not every member feels heard; but I am listening. Working conditions in our schools continue to descend as neoliberal policies continue to encroach on our members and our profession. I am committed to improving our working conditions, increasing resources and support to teachers, and safe-guarding

public education against private interests.

I am proud of the teachers I stand alongside and of the work we do. With your support, I would be honoured to serve as your Member-at-Large!

MORE ABOUT RICK

rickkumartheteacher.weebly.com

facebook.com/kickitwithrick

FOR MEMBERAT-LARGE MARILYN RICKETTSLINDSAY Surrey

EXPERIENCE

National: CTF AGM and Tri-National Conference delegate

Provincial: AGM, Rep. Assembly, and Bargaining Conference delegate; PSI facilitator; AOEC member

Local: STA executive; Local Representative; SJ contact; International Solidarity, Resolutions, Environmental Justice, PA/PR committees; Staff Representative

ADVOCACY, REPRESENTATION, AND EQUITY

My relationship to teaching is inherently connected to my union, my colleagues, and my students. I am committed to my profession. I humbly submit my name for your consideration for the Executive Committee, because my broad and deep experience in and outside of the workplace is unique and important. I believe experience matters, and I feel that mine is a strong and diverse foundation toward a member-centred, engaged union leadership.

I hear teachers’ urgent rallying cry for fully funded schools, responsive to student needs, and resolution to the unreasonable workload all teachers are currently facing. Our working conditions are the cornerstone of schools, and it is only by addressing the inadequate

protections we and our students face that we can defend and protect public education. It is my commitment that, if elected, I will support and contribute to a culture that prioritizes our working conditions and our students’ learning conditions.

In my schools, my local, and at provincial events, I listen to teachers. I understand their experiences of untenable working conditions and the harmful cycle that results when instruction and support are interrupted by the teacher shortage, lack of adequate funding, and insufficient collective agreement provisions. I will work to prepare our union for a round of bargaining where we address our inequitable and stagnant working conditions through strength and solidarity.

I bring experience teaching in remote, rural, urban, learning support, and adult education to the role of Memberat-Large. As an immigrant and a Black woman, a parent, and an active union member, I bring much-needed intersectional representation to reflect the diversity of our membership. And as a collaborator, an advocate, and a colleague, I bring passion, creativity, and relational care that is grounded in the lived experiences of teachers and the tireless defense of public education.

MORE ABOUT MARILYN

marilynbctf.ca

facebook.com/MarilynRickettsLindsay

instagram.com/marilyn_rico_l

FOR MEMBERAT-LARGE KATHERINE TREPANIER

Prince George EXPERIENCE

Provincial: BCTF Member-at-Large (4 years), WLC/BAC, Local Representative, AGMs, Bargaining Conferences, FLI

Local: First VP, Lead Bargaining Negotiator, Grievance Officer, Staff Representative

Education: MEd in Educational Practice, BA, PDP (SFU)

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

I’m the daughter of Scottish immigrants who were both BCTF teachers. I have been a French immersion primary teacher for 29 years and I’m currently the First Vice-President of the PGDTA. As a BCTF Member-at-Large, I have a strong voice and use it to represent members. I seek out and listen to teachers’ concerns, ideas, and feedback and bring them forward at the provincial level. I would be honoured to continue this work.

The best part of being a Member-atLarge is listening to members from across the province. We have made improvements in addressing equity and inclusion in our union and must continue this challenging but essential work. I am committed to this work both provincially and locally.

I’m proud that we successfully bargained our provincial collective agreement; we must now continue efforts to improve working conditions. Hearing your ideas and input on bargaining strategies and goals for the next round is crucial.

We must also advocate for better recruitment and retention strategies. The continued shortage of teachers is causing the redeployment of nonenrolling teachers, loss of preparation time, and inability to access training or release time. The workload and stress on members is untenable and leaves us frustrated that we cannot meet the needs of our students. As the BCTF Executive Committee we must push government to address concerns, including the new reporting order and the extra workload this creates for teachers.

In addition to my passion for teaching and union work, I also love acting in community theatre productions, singing, travelling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Over my career this has become more difficult—it is essential to improve our working conditions so that all teachers can enjoy a healthy work-life balance.

Together, we will fight, advocate, and continue to make gains for our profession.

Commitment to Solidarity

That the following Commitment to Solidarity guide the conduct of members participating in BCTF meetings:

1. We believe that union solidarity is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect.

2. We understand that an inclusive union is a stronger union, and commit to embracing both unity and diversity.

3. We commit to ensuring that members of equity-seeking groups are welcomed, fully included, and treated equitably and respectfully at all Federation meetings and events.

4. We believe that all members have the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity at BCTF meetings.

5. We commit to conducting all Federation meetings in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.

6. We undertake to give our full attention to members, presenters, and invited guests who are addressing our meetings.

7. We value vigorous discussion, welcome active participation, and encourage members to share perspectives and debate positions because through such debate we develop strong policies and practices.

8. We appreciate that our union has a long and spirited tradition standing up for firmly held views, and that we do this internally with each other and externally as a collective.

9. We respect our democratic processes and understand that, once our decisions are made, the collective position prevails.