Education Matters Online
Features

Volume 3, Issue 4: April 25, 2005

This year I was given the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA) 2005 from March 11^th to 14^th as a guest of the OSSTF.  It was a pleasure to be considered for such an activity and a truly enlightening experience as there were a number of issues close to the hearts of all Faculty of Education students.

When asked to prepare a piece on my experience at AMPA 2005, I found it very hard to begin. Where do I start? With the wonderful welcome I received from the Faculty of Education Coordinator for the OSSTF, the opportunity to see first hand the election process, or the unbelievable generosity and support that the organization and its members provided for myself and fellow faculty representatives? As you can see there are many things that made my experience at AMPA 2005 exciting, enlightening and unforgettable.

The support and generosity of the OSSTF and its members was evident when they supported our motion regarding the future of the Ontario Teacher Qualifying Test and worked with us to obtain a discussion period with the Minister of Education. All of this would not have been possible without such a support system.

In addition, I would like to thank all of the people that made it possible for Faculty of Education students like myself to attend such a wonderful event. Knowledge is power and by providing this experience for future teachers, you are empowering the future of the profession.

I came away from this experience knowing that as I enter the teaching profession, my best interests will always be represented. The communication and support structure in place by OSSTF is second to none and I am proud to be a member.

Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another.
(OSSTF Motto)

Disclaimer