NEWS RELEASE
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO
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Every day, Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) members and others make outstanding contributions to curriculum development, the arts, science and technology, children’s literature, 2SLGBTQ+ realities, humanitarian causes, and other areas.
To recognize this, ETFO runs an annual Awards Program.
“With so much to celebrate, the ETFO Awards Program recognizes members and others for their distinguished academic achievements, service, and outstanding contributions to education and the federation,” says ETFO president Karen Brown. “The recipients’ efforts are appreciated and contribute greatly to improving public education in Ontario and beyond.”
Honorary Life Membership Award
This year, the following recipients received Honorary Life Membership Awards, the federation’s highest form of recognition:
- Janet Bigham, Simcoe County teacher local president 2006-2021
- Adelina Cecchin, member of ETFO provincial executive 2009-2020, Greater Essex teacher local president 2008-2020
- Sam Hammond, ETFO provincial president from 2009-2021
- Emily Noble, ETFO provincial president from 2002-2007
The following ETFO awards were also presented this year:
Anti-Bias Award
Manjit Deol, Peel teacher local
Anti-Poverty Award
Sarah Fleming, Simcoe County teacher local
Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award — Women’s Program
Erika Mark, Kawartha Pine Ridge teacher local
Anti-Racist and Equity Activism Award
Shannon Greene, Elementary Teachers of Toronto
Sezgin Nalsok, Halton teacher local
Arts and Culture Award
Jenn Wallage, Waterloo Region designated early childhood educator local
Children’s Literature Award
Stephanie Duff, Peel teacher local
International Humanitarian Award for an ETFO Member
Cindy Zappacosta, Algoma teacher local
Member Service and Engagement Award
Peel occasional teacher local
Outstanding Role Model for Women Award — Women’s Program
Jen Deck, Kawartha Pine Ridge occasional teacher local
Political Activist
Heidi Irion, Simcoe County teacher local
Professional Learning and Curriculum Development Award — Women’s Program
Ramandeep Sarai, Elementary Teachers of Toronto
Rainbow Visions Award
Shawna Rothgeb, Ottawa-Carleton teacher local
Women Who Develop Special Projects in Science and Technology Award — Women’s Program
Nicole Netherway, Niagara teacher local
Women Working in Social Activism on Behalf of Women and Children — Women’s Program
Abarna Selvarajah
Writer’s Award — Women’s Program
Rahel Tesfaledet, York Region occasional teacher local
Writer’s Award
James Steeves, Peel teacher local
To learn more about each award recipient, visit etfo.ca.
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