The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) presented Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ETT) member Vana Pistiolis with the New Teacher of the Year Award at its annual meeting in Toronto today.
The award recognizes a teacher in the first five years of teaching who has demonstrated exemplary teaching practices, who has been involved with the federation, and who personifies the goals and objectives of ETFO.
Pistiolis works at one of four Toronto District School Board segregated special education schools. She incorporates both innovative resources and equipment into her program which focuses on community living and self-help skills.
She works diligently to expand the interests of her students and integrates them into the community through weekly outings and field trips to seasonal events and attractions of interest in the Toronto area.
Pistiolis participates in many school activities, works supportively with colleagues, has served on many school committees including professional development, staffing and budget, and has advocated for equipment on behalf of all staff.
A strong supporter of the federation, she served on the New Teacher Committee in her first year of teaching and is currently serving on the ETT Status of Women and Awards committees. She is also the steward in her current school and has addressed some challenging situations on behalf of her colleagues.
“In the short time Vana has been teaching, she has earned the respect of parents, colleagues, and students,” said ETFO President David Clegg. “She is innovative in her practices, aware of current theories, and very involved in and supportive of her federation. She is a credit to her school, to her union, and to her profession.”
The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario represents 73,000 elementary public school teachers and education workers across Ontario and is the largest teacher federation in Canada.
For more information contact:
Larry Skory,
lskory@etfo.org
