Education Matters Online
Features

Volume 3, Issue 4: April 25, 2005

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Education Week in Ontario and this year we are preparing to celebrate. In the fall of 1930, OSSTF established Education Week. “During the depression years, there was a falling off of public interest in education. No longer did a good education guarantee employment.” (Do Not Erase) At the time it was hoped that by highlighting a new secondary school curriculum and celebrating public education, the citizens of Ontario would once again take an interest in their schools. Between 1935 and 1939 the public and the government exhibited a renewed sense of concern about education. By 1935 Education Week was a Canada-wide program. Thereafter, for several decades, Education Week received a great deal of attention. Out of this increased enthusiasm tremendous strides were made in educational studies. In addition, educators achieved gains in job security with improved and more formalized contracts with greater protection.

Unfortunately, Education Week began to lose its place in the spotlight and over the years it grew very dim. Local efforts continued on a small scale throughout the province, but the past glory had disappeared. During the Harris/Eves years, as education workers lost status and hope, Education Week celebrations lost significance. At the end of the twentieth century, attempts were made to revive Education Week. In 1999, Support Staff Appreciation Day was integrated into Education Week. And now, in 2005, we will witness the Education Week renaissance.

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

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