The Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) have come to a collective agreement after a months-long negotiation process.
The agreement, which covers over 2,000 elementary school teachers and occasional teachers in the DDSB, includes a number of important provisions that will impact both educators and students in the region.
One key aspect of the agreement is a commitment to reducing class sizes. Under the terms of the agreement, class sizes in primary grades will be reduced to 20 students, while class sizes in grades 4-8 will be reduced to 23 students. This will help ensure that teachers are better able to provide individualized attention and support to each student in their classroom.
In addition to class size reductions, the agreement also includes a number of other important provisions. For example, teachers will now have access to increased professional development opportunities, which will help them stay up-to-date on the latest teaching techniques and best practices.
The agreement also includes a commitment to hiring more special education teachers and support staff. This will help ensure that students with special needs have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in the classroom.
Overall, the DDSB-ETFO collective agreement is a positive step forward for teachers, students, and parents in the region. By prioritizing smaller class sizes, professional development, and support for special education students, the agreement will help ensure that every student in the DDSB has the opportunity to reach their full potential.