CAN D IDAT E STAT E ME N TS IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE to serve as President of the BCTF this past year, representing members provincially, nationally, and internationally. I have worked to raise the profile, value, and needs of the profession and public education, bringing teachers’ voices to the forefront.
Carole Gordon (she/her) Central Okanagan for President
Bargaining has been a priority, and I’m proud of the solidarity shown by members in support of our bargaining team and alongside other public sector unions. That collective strength is essential to advancing fair working and learning conditions. Beyond bargaining, engagement with government on key issues—professional learning, certification, recruitment and retention, meaningful consultation—ensures members are central to policies impacting classrooms and schools. Defending professional autonomy and expertise, and pushing for more employer responsibility, remains critical as global unrest and the rise of far-right attacks affect our communities.
Public education is fundamental to building a society where everyone can thrive. Upcoming school board elections will be integral as we combat regressive policies and austerity measures that erode supports upon which all educators, students, and families rely. I hope to continue in this role, leading with our values for a strong, inclusive, and well-supported public education system for all who learn and work within it.
EX P E RI E NCE Provincial: President, First VP, Second VP 3yrs, Executive 10yrs, Pensions, CTF Trustee, AGM 22yrs Local: Executive (Second VP, H&S, Bargaining), Staff Rep Community: Labour Council President, United Way Teaching: Prep, classroom, TTOC (since 1991) facebook.com/carole.gordon.921
March 2026 TEACHER 27