Counselling and Member Services

This department responds to all inquiries from members regarding professional or personal issues that do not fall clearly under their collective agreement, or under the realm of professional development. This includes areas such as performance appraisals, general and career counselling, professional ethics, pensions and retirement planning, interpersonal disputes, and personal crises.

Staff provide legal advice and representation for members facing human rights complaints and/or Children’s Aid Society, police, or College of Teachers investigations. All cases are kept confidential. The department also handles internal OECTA discipline board investigations and hearings.

The department provides a number of printed materials for members to reference. Staff also deliver many workshops and seminars, and are responsible for the administration of OECTA’s Leadership Training Program.

Staff provide support to the Long-Term Disability committee, liaise with teacher exchange programs in Great Britain and Australia, and assist with grant applications for members and former members who are retired on pension and in dire financial need.