Teacher In Charge

TO: ETT MEMBERS

FROM: MARTIN LONG, PRESIDENT

RE: TEACHER IN CHARGE

DATE: MARCH 7, 2011

It has come to the attention of the Federation that ETT members who accept the temporary role of Teacher In Charge of their school in the temporary absence of the school’s Principal and Vice-Principal are being asked to sign a form titled “Delegation of Authority Regarding Discipline”.

The form specifically addresses the exercise of the duties of the Principal pursuant to Section 300 of the Education Act, which deals with behaviour, safety and discipline of pupils. However, it is an indication of issues which might arise and pose serious problems for ETT members who accept the Teacher In Charge role.

Fortunately, the form makes it very clear that the acceptance of the delegation of the Principal’s authority is voluntary.

ETT advises members to give serious consideration to all aspects of the situation before volunteering to accept additional duties. The Federation continues to encourage members to ensure specifically that Teacher In Charge responsibilities, given their voluntary nature, not be included in any way in the duties of the Chair(s) in any TDSB school. Your Federation Executive Officer is available to support staffs and individual members with advice and support where necessary, as is the provincial office of ETFO.

ETT will continue to address this issue with the Board, and will continue to work to ensure that a fully qualified, duly appointed administrator be present and on duty in every site where students are present.