Ontario Teachers' Federation
The Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) is the professional body representing over 160,000 teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded schools. OTF was established by the Teaching Profession Act of 1944. The four Ontario teacher federations are OTF Affiliates: l’Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO), the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO); the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association (OECTA); and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF). All teachers in Ontario’s publicly funded schools belong to one of the Affiliates and to OTF.
OTF is a member of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation and Education International.
OTF’s mandate is to advocate for teachers, the teaching profession, and publicly funded education. It represents the interests of all teachers who are pension plan members - active and retired - as the Partner with the Ontario Government in sponsoring the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP). Moreover, as the official liaison between teachers and the Minister of Education, OTF provides advice and input to both the Minister and the Ministry about policy decisions related to matters such as curriculum, assessment, instructional technology, special education, among others. It amplifies teachers’ voices with political parties, parents, and the public.
OTF offers a variety of services and supports for teachers. It supports learning and networking among the Subject and Division Associations through the OTF Curriculum Forum. OTF provides professional learning opportunities and online teaching resources for its members in areas such as financial literacy, safe and inclusive schools, special education, and working with parents, to name a few. OTF also provides supports for teacher candidates and beginning teachers.
OTF works with allies in the labour movement, partners in education and like-minded social justice groups. OTF also supports numerous charitable organizations and groups dedicated to social justice and equity such as Frontier College, Indspire, Summer Literacy Camps, and CIVIX. As well, OTF provides financial assistance to underserved schools through its international assistance program.