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OSSTF District 11- Thames Valley
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District 11 Office |
Education Matters Online
Feature
Volume 3, Issue 2: December 14, 2004
The TVDSB "Vision" and the OSSTFBy Wendy Anes Hirschegger, District President |
The Thames Valley District School Board's "Our Vision: A Caring, Learning Community" started out as a pilot project in three schools in 1998 and expanded to the rest of the board in 1999. "Our Vision Initiative is an ongoing process designed to guide us in the process of putting our Vision, Mission, Values and Goals into practice. It is designed to serve as a compass for the organization so that our primary responsibility, that of educational excellence and service to our students, is met even in times of challenge and rapid change" (Executive Overview).
The Vision Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from all employee groups, as well as representatives from School Councils, Home and School Associations and the Trustees, meets regularly to monitor and review the on-going progress. OSSTF is represented on the Vision Advisory Committee by Wendy Anes Hirschegger (District/TBU), Sandra Miller (PSSP) and Barb O'Brien (CEI); the Occasional Teachers' BU has also been invited to name a representative.
The Foundation Principles form the core of the system values and are intended to form the basis of every aspect of the board--from hiring, to professional development to evaluation, to policy development and review--and the corresponding employee behaviours are expected of every employee of the board right up to and including the Director.
To show that the Foundation Principles are completely consistent with OSSTF values and expectations as outlined in the OSSTF Constitution, Bylaws and Policies, I spent some time putting together the following chart. Scroll down to see all of the Foundation Principles or click on the one you want from this list:
- Integrity
- Quality Learning
- Continuous Improvement
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
- Mentoring
- Job-Specific Skills
| Foundation Principle Characteristic | Employee Behaviours | Corresponding OSSTF Tie-ins |
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Integrity ▸ Demonstrates honesty, fairness and trust ▸ Respects and values others ▸ Honours and celebrates the success of others ▸ Is transparent ▸ Consistently adheres to the moral principles and core values of the Board |
∙ Demonstrates
trustworthiness with students, staff, parents and the community ∙ Models such principles of civility as trust, fairness, social responsibility, respect and inclusion ∙ Recognizes the importance and value of employees as integral to success ∙ Respects the time, energy and efforts of others and values the input of all ∙ Trusts the professionalism of staff ∙ Honours and celebrates work well done ∙ Models the essence of the Board’s Vision, Mission and Values statements ∙ Demonstrates equity and fairness in all dealings ∙ Readily accepts responsibility for actions ∙ Adheres to appropriate rules and regulations |
Article 3.1 The
objects of the OSSTF shall be 3.1.4 to promote and advance the cause of public education; 3.1.5 to promote a high standard of professional ethics and a high standard of professional competence; 3.1.10 to foster and promote the dignity of all persons regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability. Bylaw 3.1 The member should present a practical illustration of scholarship and self-discipline and should maintain the utmost respect for the rights and dignity of each individual and for the environment in which the individual lives. 3.2 The member should endeavour to foster a regard for law, an appreciation of freedom, a respect for human dignity, a respect for the global environment, and the ideal of public service. 3.3 The member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public criticism of the member's colleagues. 3.4 The member should promote anti-racist education. 4.2 A member of OSSTF also shall recognize the unique responsibility to society which is inherent in the teaching process. Consequently, the member shall endeavour at all times to enhance public regard for the teaching profession and to discourage untrue, unfair or exaggerated statements with regard to teaching. In all relationships with colleagues, students, parents and other members of the community, the member shall strive to uphold the honour, dignity and ethical standards of the profession. 4.4 A member of OSSTF shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the free exercise of professional judgment, to foster co-operative relationships among colleagues, and to assist in preventing the practice of a profession by unqualified persons. 4.6 A member of OSSTF shall strive to eliminate discrimination and harassment based on race, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, marital status, mental or physical ability. 4.7 A member of OSSTF shall endeavour at all times to enhance public regard for all members and for the various services which they offer to the educational system. 4.8 A member shall endeavour to ensure equity and inclusiveness for all individuals in the workplace. 4.9 A member shall recognize and respect the diversity of students and colleagues, and the goals of anti-racist education. |
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Quality Learning ▸ Puts learners first ▸ Meets needs of all learners ▸ Demonstrates a love of learning ▸ Fosters the development of interpersonal relationships and interpersonal skills ▸ Actively engages participants in learning ▸ Ensures understanding and application of knowledge ▸ Develops reflective thinkers and practitioners |
∙ Considers
students first as the basis for all decision making ∙ Addresses learning needs of all in a creative, flexible manner ∙ Ensures the safety and well-being of students and staff ∙ Ensures that students and staff are treated in an equitable and respectful manner ∙ Recognizes and supports the individual needs of learners to reach their potential ∙ Demonstrates a concern for the growth of character and encourages students and staff to be contributing citizens who are accountable to themselves and to others ∙ Integrates learning theories with the needs, backgrounds and spiritual/cultural understandings of the learner ∙ Develops, supports, communicates and assesses clear, challenging and achievable expectations |
Bylaw 4.1 A
member of OSSTF shall recognize the supreme importance of effective
learning and teaching in the continuing development of students as
individuals and citizens. To this end, the member shall endeavour to
develop in students an appreciation of standards of excellence, an
appreciation of the principles of democracy, an appreciation of the need
to be just and considerate in human relations, an appreciation of the
need to develop a positive self-image, an appreciation of Canada's rich
multicultural heritage and an appreciation of intellectual freedom. 4.3 A member of OSSTF shall strive to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The member therefore shall endeavour to stimulate in students the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, the appreciation of standards of excellence, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals. 8.1.1 It is the policy of OSSTF that the Public Education School System should recognize the following principles: 8.1.1.1 Universality - access for all 8.1.1.2 Comprehensiveness - opportunity for all 8.1.1.3 Proficiency - achievement for all 8.1.1.4 Accountability - value for all 8.1.2 It is the policy of OSSTF that the goals of education should enhance the student’s ability to: 8.1.2.1 use language to think, learn and communicate effectively; 8.1.2.2 use mathematical skills with confidence in practical situations; 8.1.2.3 use science and technology to gain access to information and make decisions; 8.1.2.4 understand how history, geography, cultural and environmental forces shape the Canadian identity and the world; 8.1.2.5 actively appreciate the arts; 8.1.2.6 learn in a self-directed manner; 8.1.2.7 apply creative thinking skills to solve problems; 8.1.2.8 assume responsibility for a healthy life style; 8.1.2.9 understand group dynamics and decision making; 8.1.2.10 appreciate individual, religious and cultural diversity; 8.1.2.11 understand and challenge human rights violations such as sexism, racism, homophobia and harassment and other forms of such injustice including violence; 8.1.2.12 choose an appropriate career path. 8.9.1 It is the policy of OSSTF that equality of educational opportunity should be a matter of right for all Ontario students. |
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Continuous Improvement ▸ Models growth ▸ Balances priorities ▸ Refines skills and procedures ▸ Uses results for improvement |
∙ Models
curiosity, enthusiasm and joy for learning; is a lifelong learner ∙ Models continuous professional growth and helps others to engage in the change process ∙ Balances personal and professional life ∙ Helps to enrich learning through effective programs and services ∙ Engages in the refinement of skills to improve service ∙ Models the use of technology to support learning ∙ Plans for improvement and establishes improvement criteria to measure results ∙ Contributes to making the world a better place in which to live |
Bylaw 3.1 The
member should present a practical illustration of scholarship and
self-discipline and should maintain the utmost respect for the rights
and dignity of each individual and for the environment in which the
individual lives. 3.2 The member should endeavour to foster a regard for law, an appreciation of freedom, a respect for human dignity, a respect for the global environment, and the ideal of public service. 4.1 A member of OSSTF shall recognize the supreme importance of effective learning and teaching in the continuing development of students as individuals and citizens. To this end, the member shall endeavour to develop in students an appreciation of standards of excellence, an appreciation of the principles of democracy, an appreciation of the need to be just and considerate in human relations, an appreciation of the need to develop a positive self-image, an appreciation of Canada's rich multicultural heritage and an appreciation of intellectual freedom. 4.3 A member of OSSTF shall strive to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The member therefore shall endeavour to stimulate in students the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, the appreciation of standards of excellence, and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals. 8.8.3 It is the policy of OSSTF that it is the professional responsibility of members to participate actively in professional development programs. 8.8.6 It is the policy of OSSTF that all members should have access to a variety of ongoing professional development growth opportunities to assist with the planning and implementation of effective and innovative educational practices. 8.8.11 It is the policy of OSSTF that continuing education programs, designed in cooperation with teachers, should be available to all teachers. 8.8.13 It is the policy of OSSTF that district school boards should provide ongoing in-service training programs designed in cooperation with OSSTF members to improve the quality of education. |
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Teamwork ▸ Encourages co-operation, collaboration and trust ▸ Builds partnerships ▸ Works with others to create and sustain a vision |
∙ Works to
create an environment which honours trust, loyalty and respect and
encourages interaction ∙ Invites family and community interaction with the school for student success ∙ Works for consensus in creating specific, challenging and measurable goals ∙ Uses collective experiences to enhance learning, to solve problems and to seek new alternatives ∙ Demonstrates an openness to innovative ideas and approaches ∙ Is dependable ∙ Supports team decisions/actions once made/taken ∙ Treats team members with dignity ∙ Acknowledges and celebrates individual and group efforts, contributions and successes ∙ Acts both as a team member and a team leader |
3.3 The
member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and
good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public
criticism of the member's colleagues. 4.4 A member of OSSTF shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the free exercise of professional judgment, to foster co-operative relationships among colleagues, and to assist in preventing the practice of a profession by unqualified persons. 8.4.1 It is the policy of OSSTF that district school boards and/or the Ministry of Education should provide opportunities for members to be involved as equal partners in all aspects of the curriculum development process, including policy formulation, planning, development, validation, evaluation, and review at all levels from classroom through to the provincial level. 8.8.7 It is the policy of OSSTF that members should be provided with a variety of opportunities to collaborate, share ideas and reflect upon educational concerns. |
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Communication ▸ Is accessible ▸ Gathers, interprets and shares relevant and correct information in a timely fashion to appropriate people ▸ Listens actively for understanding ▸ Responds effectively to concerns and issues |
∙ Demonstrates
interactive, open and honest communications with staff, students and
community ∙ Models empathy and understanding ∙ Reaches out to parents and local communities, inviting them to share their knowledge and skills in supporting classroom and school activities ∙ Shares information in a timely manner, using a variety of methods ∙ Follows up to ensure that information was understood ∙ Asks for and gives feedback ∙ Supports and articulates support for the Board’s Vision, Mission and Values, and for public education ∙ Values and demonstrates precision in the use of language |
3.3 The
member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and
good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public
criticism of the member's colleagues. 4.4 A member of OSSTF shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the free exercise of professional judgment, to foster co-operative relationships among colleagues, and to assist in preventing the practice of a profession by unqualified persons. 8.8.7 It is the policy of OSSTF that members should be provided with a variety of opportunities to collaborate, share ideas and reflect upon educational concerns. 12.8.5 It is the policy of OSSTF that school-community interactions should be viewed as an integral component in the educational program of a school, and these interactions should take their place in the considered priorities of every school. |
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Problem-Solving and Decision-Making ▸ Gathers and interprets information ▸ Makes effective data driven decisions ▸ Measures results |
∙ Gathers
information and feedback in a systematic manner ∙ Establishes appropriate and realistic priorities ∙ Builds capacity to identify alternatives and develop solutions ∙ Engages others through shared problem-solving and conflict resolution ∙ Recognizes concerns and identifies opportunities to address them ∙ Embraces diversity and celebrates creativity to strengthen the school system ∙ Makes high quality decisions and takes responsibility for outcomes ∙ Demonstrates a willingness to take corrective action or modify decisions ∙ Innovates through decision-making, initiating change and evaluating and communicating results |
3.3 The
member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and
good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public
criticism of the member's colleagues. 4.4 A member of OSSTF shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the free exercise of professional judgment, to foster co-operative relationships among colleagues, and to assist in preventing the practice of a profession by unqualified persons. 8.4.1 It is the policy of OSSTF that district school boards and/or the Ministry of Education should provide opportunities for members to be involved as equal partners in all aspects of the curriculum development process, including policy formulation, planning, development, validation, evaluation, and review at all levels from classroom through to the provincial level. 8.8.7 It is the policy of OSSTF that members should be provided with a variety of opportunities to collaborate, share ideas and reflect upon educational concerns. |
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Mentoring ▸ Motivates ▸ Challenges ▸ Encourages ▸ Advises |
∙ Models a high
level of performance, skill and motivation ∙ Provides guidance using appropriate policies and guidelines ∙ Encourages collaboration among colleagues to improve skills ∙ Provides opportunities to learn from experience ∙ Identifies and supports growth needs of staff ∙ Provides ongoing feedback to staff and students regarding their actions and decisions in order to build ownership and self-confidence ∙ Motivates and inspires through sharing the vision |
Bylaw 3.1 The
member should present a practical illustration of scholarship and
self-discipline and should maintain the utmost respect for the rights
and dignity of each individual and for the environment in which the
individual lives. 3.3 The member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public criticism of the member's colleagues. 4.4 A member of OSSTF shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the free exercise of professional judgment, to foster co-operative relationships among colleagues, and to assist in preventing the practice of a profession by unqualified persons. 2.3.3.1 It is the policy of OSSTF that the role of Members in charge of organizational units is in mentoring for the improvement of classroom instruction and that it is the role of the principal and vice-principal to perform the evaluation of Members. 2.3.3.4 It is the policy of OSSTF that a Member in charge of an organizational unit should co-operate in the mentoring of Members in his/her organizational unit in that he/she should 2.3.3.4.1 assist Members in his/her organizational unit in improving their work performance; |
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Job-Specific Skills ▸ Demonstrates proficiency in work related tasks ▸ Provides leadership ▸ Seeks improvement |
∙ Exhibits care
and commitment ∙ Performs duties according to established standards and expectations ∙ Manages time, expectations, costs and resources responsibly and effectively ∙ Provides leadership to implement programs and adapt to change ∙ Encourages collegial discussion of relevant issues ∙ Encourages leadership in others ∙ Recognizes that continuous professional growth is an integral part of A Caring, Learning Community ∙ Stays current |
Bylaw 3.1 The
member should present a practical illustration of scholarship and
self-discipline and should maintain the utmost respect for the rights
and dignity of each individual and for the environment in which the
individual lives. 3.3 The member's professional conduct should be characterized by courtesy and good faith, and should imply the obligation to refrain from public criticism of the member's colleagues. 4.4 A member of OSSTF shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, to promote a climate that encourages the free exercise of professional judgment, to foster co-operative relationships among colleagues, and to assist in preventing the practice of a profession by unqualified persons. 8.8.3 It is the policy of OSSTF that it is the professional responsibility of members to participate actively in professional development programs. 8.8.6 It is the policy of OSSTF that all members should have access to a variety of ongoing professional development growth opportunities to assist with the planning and implementation of effective and innovative educational practices. 8.8.11 It is the policy of OSSTF that continuing education programs, designed in cooperation with teachers, should be available to all teachers. 8.8.13 It is the policy of OSSTF that district school boards should provide ongoing in-service training programs designed in cooperation with OSSTF members to improve the quality of education. |
