Teacher Special Election Edition

2021 VIRTUAL

BCTF

AGM Executive Committee Candidate Statements AGM via LUMI March 20–23, 2021 Visit MyBCTF.ca for details.

Teacher Special Election Edition

2021 BCTF AGM Candidate statements To be elected President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Four Member-at-Large positions (two-year terms) via LUMI March 20­­­–23, 2021

FOR FULL-TIME TABLE OFFICER Health, safety, and member wellness top the priority list IT HAS BEEN MY HONOUR to serve as BCTF President over the last two years.

This year has been extraordinarily demanding in so many ways. The pandemic has presented challenges for everyone, especially members with health vulnerabilities.

Health, safety, and the wellness of members continue to be our top priorities; advocacy to improve school safety measures has been ongoing, frustrating and relentless since last spring. Teachers are to be commended for continuing to go above and beyond to be there for our colleagues and for our students.

Unfortunately, this responsibility was downloaded onto us because of the inadequacy of government’s response to school safety concerns.

FOR PRESIDENT TERI MOORING Quesnel

While the health crisis is top of mind, we must also acknowledge the other crises that existed pre-pandemic, are also urgent and in need of action—the racial justice crisis—the pandemic has highlighted inequities that have long existed, but we have unfortunately also borne witness to an increase in racist actions and attitudes. In addition, many recent events point to the depth of the climate crisis we are in; we have a shared responsibility to work toward a more sustainable future.

As a Federation we are also looking forward and preparing for the next round of bargaining. With new leadership moving into the helm at BCPSEA there is hope that bargaining will be more productive. Teacher workload, compensation, and the teacher shortage are some of the outstanding issues that will need to be addressed.

Opportunities and challenges abound, with your support I would be honoured to continue to work on your behalf.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/teri.mooring Twitter: @terimooring

EXPERIENCE International: Education International: Thailand (2019), Trinidad (2018) National: CTF Director Provincial: First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Member-at-Large Local: President, Vice-President, LR, Bargaining Chair Teaching: 22 years intermediate, resource teacher Education: MEd (UNBC), Curriculum/Counselling; BA (SFU)

March 2021 Executive Committee Candidate Statements 3

FOR FULL-TIME TABLE OFFICER Adaptability, representation, progress THIS PAST YEAR has been one that none of us could have predicted last March.

The sudden pandemic disrupted members’ lives and the work of the union— including our unfinished bargaining—and thrust us all into unfamiliar waters. The word pivot is pervasive now, but “pivot” doesn’t adequately describe changing every aspect of how a 45,000-member union works. Staff—like teachers—moved to remote work even as member and local needs increased.

Everything went online: governance, supports, advisory committees, training, all of it. We reacted as quickly as possible to both increase existing local and member supports and create new ones. Media demands and our advocacy expectations exploded, including on local leaders and members. That need hasn’t slowed, and progress from government has been disappointing. But we persevere.

FOR FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT CLINT JOHNSTON Chilliwack

As with all times of difficulty, this pandemic exacerbated the inequities in our world, and affected all our members differently. The Federation had to advocate from the local to the federal level for supports that help as many teachers as possible. Internally, our experience with different ways of doing things has presented difficulties but also opportunities. It is important that we keep positive practices in place as we move forward and also find solutions to difficulties we experienced.

Through this all we completed our regular work in new ways, including a continued focus inward on our equity and decolonization work. New this year was a task force on improving equity and representation at the Representative Assembly. This continues our work to improve our representation of members in general and in our governance bodies specifically. Their work—and others’—will drive us forward next year. I’ve been honoured to have a role in this work and remain committed to it.

It would be a privilege to continue to represent all teachers’ voices.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/clint.johnston.92 Twitter: @ClintJohnston7

EXPERIENCE International: CTF Delegation Head, EI World Congress; ISTP 2018; Bolivia 2016 National: CTF Vice-President 3x, multiple committees Provincial: BCTF First Vice-President, Member-at-Large Local: President & other Teaching: 18 years Education: BEd Elementary & BHK (UBC)

4 Executive Committee Candidate Statements March 2021

FOR FULL-TIME TABLE OFFICER Advocacy, access & connection, opportunity WHILE “UNPRECEDENTED” has become the word to describe this past year, many challenges for members, locals, and the Federation are familiar: workload, learning conditions, adequate funding, and respect. Teachers take on many roles every day. The pandemic context, though, has every member across the province, from Kindergarten to adult education, holding a second job—that of Health & Safety manager. The mental health of members, as well as students, needs to be prioritized during the COVID crisis, both at its height and during the aftermath. I have been proud to advocate on your behalf at the provincial steering committee, working to put the guidelines into the context of your daily work, to fight for better protocols, and support safe working conditions.

FOR SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT CAROLE GORDON Central Okanagan

The challenges members face did not begin with the pandemic, but this experience has highlighted the inequities and shortages that shape the realities of teachers. This coming year, bargaining will again give us the opportunity to advocate for increased funding to improve classroom conditions and support all members. As the bargaining team works through the Section 53 process, it is hoped that improvements sought at the LRB will offer better prospects to address long-standing local issues.

As we look forward to bargaining training to assist locals in this work, we continue to reflect on the many lessons learned this past year. We adapted the way we organized training and decision-making, and, while we miss the in-person connections, we have also been able to make events and meetings more accessible and inclusive. The Federation is examining the Representative Assembly structure and process, supporting locals in their own equity work, and carefully integrating new and existing structures that will improve engagement for everyone.

It would be a privilege to help steward the Federation for another year.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/carole.gordon.921 Twitter: @CaroleGordonBC

EXPERIENCE Provincial: Second VP, 2yrs; Executive, 6yrs; Pensions; CTF Trustee; AGM, 18yrs Local: Executive (Second VP, Health & Safety, Bargaining), Staff Rep Community: Provincial Candidate, Labour Council President, United Way Teaching: Elementary Prep, Classroom (28yrs)

March 2021 Executive Committee Candidate Statements 5

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE Collaborative, flexible, and unapologetically green THIS MARCH marks 12 months since the start of a pandemic that would disrupt and reshape our schools and communities. As part of an Executive 14 months into challenging contract negotiations and faced with forced school closures, my perspective shifted to the immense uncertainty ahead for teachers and students, and to the predicted likelihood of future disruptions. I canvassed members and local presidents tirelessly and, ultimately, I was proud of my part in achieving a negotiated agreement without the need for job action.

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE VIOLETTE BAILLARGEON Surrey

Being in leadership in education during this time meant taking stock of new circumstances quickly and rationally. It meant reimagining the potential of our profession and safeguarding against private interests eager to capitalize on the crisis. Most importantly, it meant supporting teachers as they reoriented themselves and found solutions to the countless challenges facing their work.

As I end my first term on the EC, my perspective shifts again. I am buoyed by the engagement of members and locals, and informed by a diversity of viewpoints.

Decentralizing union structures by building capacity through meaningful consultation with members and providing direct support for school-based union teams remain my priorities. As a full-time classroom teacher and parent of schoolaged children, I continue to bring this crucial perspective to the Executive table.

As we pivot to future climate-related disruptions and cultivate resilience in our communities, we have an opportunity for much needed leadership and outreach. Public opinion research reminds us that parents and the public still overwhelmingly trust teachers’ voices and share our vision for public education.

There is still much to be done, but much solidarity also. For my part, I commit to continue doing this work collaboratively, and I remain humbled by the resourcefulness and tenacity of BC teachers.

Website: www.violettebaillargeon.weebly.com

EXPERIENCE Provincial: Executive Committee; Peer Support; Mediation; TriNational delegate: Chicago, Mexico; AGM; Peru Project; SJ/SURT Facilitator Local: EC—LR, MAL; Environmental Justice Co-chair; Bargaining Co-chair; International Solidarity Teaching: 20 years—French/Spanish, IB, FRIM, AdEd

6 Executive Committee Candidate Statements March 2021

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE Inclusivity, advocacy, transparency AS ONE OF YOUR VOICES on the Executive, I’m committed to member-driven decisions that make us a strong, professional, social justice union. I’ve worked to advocate for safe, equitable, quality education, to increase grants to locals, and to create member engagement on issues that affect us all, including safety, funding, equity, and inclusion.

From a small northern town, a teacher in a large urban local, both Métis and first-generation Canadian—I have many perspectives. As a current classroom teacher, with experience as a local president, I know how vital preparation and collaboration are to us. Compassion is what grounds my work with students, and within this union. In our diverse union, when we listen to each other, we find common ground.

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE RAE FIGURSKY Burnaby

The challenges ahead are to improve our working conditions (including our Health & Safety) and better meet students’ needs. We need to hold government to their commitments for funding and improvements in public education. The coming round of bargaining must result in better working conditions for us and better learning conditions for our students.

At this AGM, we will consider by-law changes to make our structures even more inclusive and reflective of our membership. I’m proud to be part of crafting these proposals.

I bring a passion for teaching, respect for teachers, an ability to anticipate and solve problems, strong listening skills, and balance to the Executive. I use my years of teaching math and statistics, my passion for mentoring others, and my skills as a trained English teacher at the Executive table. My goal is that my voice at that table is your voice, the everyday teacher who wants the best for their students and the local leader who supports all members. I look forward to continuing this work for you.

Facebook: Rae Figursky for BCTF Member-At-Large Twitter: @RaeFigursky Website: www.raecandoit.com

EXPERIENCE Provincial: Member-at-Large; Liaison: North Island, Okanagan, South Island, Aboriginal Educators, WLC/Bargaining, & TTOCAC; Grievance Appeals; LR; AGM delegate Local: President; bargaining team; executive & committees (Burnaby) Teaching: Grade 8–12 students (math, English, learning support)

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FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE Advocacy through collaboration I AM VERY PROUD to put my name forward as a candidate for Member-at-Large this year. I see the role of Member-at-Large as key to ensuring the perspectives of all our members reach the table, and I am eager to make myself available to the outreach and committee work that will allow me to serve in this capacity.

For me, being an active participant on my local executive committee for the past five years has been about two things: advocacy and service. When the members of my local elected me, they were putting their trust in me. They expect me to defend their rights, support them when they are struggling, and uphold our collective agreement. These are expectations I take very seriously, and they will shape the way I contribute to the work of the BCTF Executive Committee.

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE JESSICA HILL Cariboo Chilcotin

I am a thoughtful person by nature, and I engage in active listening with my students and the members I serve. Being an informed participant of any decisionmaking body requires both of these qualities, especially in a member-driven union such as ours. I used these qualities as a member of our local bargaining team, and I continue to rely on them as we build a working relationship with our new district leadership.

In service to my local, I have been an active participant in conversations happening around recruitment and retention. My advocacy for collaborative strategies has allowed myself and other members to attend job fairs alongside senior management, and has assured that we have a voice in the conversations happening in our district around this critical matter. With the teacher shortage becoming a wide-spread crisis, I know I can be a valuable advocate for this issue at the provincial level as well.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JessicaHillMAL

EXPERIENCE Provincial: TIE-BC Publication Chair, Women in Negotiations, RA Agenda Committee Local: Communications Chair, Local Representative, Vice-President, Bargaining Committee, LSA President Teaching: LST, Middle School Humanities, Alternate Education: BA, BEd, MEd (Special Education)

8 Executive Committee Candidate Statements March 2021

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE Our common ground and a Just Recovery: The intersection of democracy, equity, and collectivity I’M SOMEONE who deeply values democratic processes, equity, and a strong collective foundation. I’m proud to be working on behalf of teachers on these three fronts, and my passion lies where the three intersect. It’s in this space where we can change the world.

I’m advocating for a Just Recovery for the Federation. In a global pandemic, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to look deeply at our own structures, processes, and habits. Just Recovery means a path that prioritizes the needs of workers, locals and communities, no matter the basis of their economic livelihood; focuses support on our members, especially vulnerable members; works in solidarity with labour and social justice allies, upholds Indigenous rights; centres anti-oppression; and builds resilience to prevent future crises.

FOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE JODY POLUKOSHKO Vancouver Elementary

The pandemic isn’t the only reason for us to reckon with our path forward.

Teaching and organizing is deeply embedded in principles of decolonization, antiracism, responding to climate emergency, and our role in the larger global and local communities.

We have the opportunity and capacity at provincial and local bargaining tables to chart a path to greater success by evaluating our historical decisions and seeking improvements. Preparations for the next round have begun in our locals and the BCTF, and we need to be ready, supported, and agile.

My experience at the provincial level provides me with deep, rich history and context looking forward. As a local officer for many years, my priority is connecting members with one another, with their union and collective agreement, and with the principles of equity and democracy despite organizational challenges.

As a member of your Executive, I commit to looking both into the past and the future: guided by the principles of a Just Recovery, honouring our roots and values, and thoughtfully and transparently considering our opportunities for change.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jodypolukoshko Twitter: @unitedstrong Website: www.jodypolukoshko.com

EXPERIENCE Provincial: BCTF EC Member-At-Large, Provincial Bargaining Team, WLC/BAC, Women in Negotiations, CASJ, Assistance Society Local: Vice-President, Grievance Officer, Bargaining Team, Adult Ed Bargaining Team, Local Rep, Pride Co-Chair Teaching: K–7 classroom, resource, Antihomophobia DRT

March 2021 Executive Committee Candidate Statements 9

Statement of Principles on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion The BCTF is a democratic union that recognizes the importance of encouraging and supporting involvement by all members, while recognizing that some members have historically been marginalized.

For the Federation to be at its best, all members must see themselves reflected in its goals, structures, and practices. The BCTF will strive to identify and eliminate barriers to participation through programs, procedures, by-laws, and policies supported by specified resources and education.

The BCTF supports equity, diversity, and inclusion within the union, the workplace, and in broader society and acknowledges that: 1. Discrimination and harassment must not be ignored and must be challenged and rectified.

2. Not all discrimination is deliberate or visible. Inadvertent, hidden, and systemic discrimination must be identified and addressed.

3. The marginalization of certain groups must be specifically recognized. These groups include, but are not necessarily limited to women; racialized workers; Indigenous people; people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, questioning, or two-spirit; people with disabilities; and those whose participation is impeded because of economic circumstances or family status.

4. Equal opportunity to participate in the Federation does not mean treating all members the same.

Within a democratic framework, promoting the engagement of members of equity-seeking groups is a valid and necessary approach to reaching equal outcomes.

5. Federation programs and policies designed to eliminate barriers must not only do so, they must be widely seen to do so.

2017 AGM

10 Executive Committee Candidate Statements March 2021

Commitment to Solidarity That the following Commitment to Solidarity guide the conduct of members participating in BCTF meetings: 1. We believe that union solidarity is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect.

2. We understand that an inclusive union is a stronger union, and commit to embracing both unity and diversity.

3. We commit to ensuring that members of equity-seeking groups are welcomed, fully included, and treated equitably and respectfully at all Federation meetings and events.

4. We believe that all members have the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity at BCTF meetings.

5. We commit to conducting all Federation meetings in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.

6. We undertake to give our full attention to members, presenters, and invited guests who are addressing our meetings.

7. We value vigorous discussion, welcome active participation, and encourage members to share perspectives and debate positions because through such debate we develop strong policies and practices.

8. We appreciate that our union has a long and spirited tradition standing up for firmly held views, and that we do this internally with each other and externally as a collective.

9. We respect our democratic processes and understand that, once our decisions are made, the collective position prevails.

Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité Que la Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité suivante, guide la conduite des membres participant aux réunions de la FECB: 1. Nous croyons que la solidarité syndicale est fondée sur le principe que tous les membres sont égaux et méritent le respect mutuel.

2. Nous comprenons qu’un syndicat inclusif est un syndicat plus fort, et nous nous engageons à accepter à la fois l’unité et la diversité.

3. Nous nous engageons à veiller à ce que les membres des groupes qui recherchent l’équité soient accueillis, de manière totalement inclusive, et traités équitablement et respectueusement à toutes les réunions et événements de la Fédération.

4. Nous croyons que tous les membres ont le droit de se sentir en sécurité et d’être traités avec dignité aux réunions de la FECB. 5. Nous nous engageons à mener toutes les réunions de la Fédération dans un environnement libre de tout harcèlement, discrimination et intolérance.

6. Nous nous engageons à être attentifs aux membres, aux présentateurs, aux invités qui assistent à nos réunions.

7. Nous apprécions les discussions dynamiques, la participation active et encourageons les membres à partager leurs perspectives et à débattre de leurs positions, car grâce à ce débat, nous élaborons des politiques et des pratiques solides.

8. Nous sommes fiers que notre syndicat ait pour longue et vigoureuse tradition de défendre fermement ses vues en interne les uns avec les autres ou à l’extérieur en tant que collectif.

9. Nous respectons nos processus démocratiques et comprenons qu’une fois que nos décisions sont prises, la position collective l’emporte.

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BC Teachers’ Federation 100 - 550 West 6th Avenue Vancouver, BC, Canada V5Z 4P2 604-871-2283 l 1-800-663-9163 bctf.ca