05/27/2020
With all due respect ...
I have kept silent about certain posts because I did not believe the comments made by an individual(s) deserve a response, as their words are filled with errors, falsehoods, and absolute lies about me. They are words that truly do not deserve a response...but if anyone knows me, knows that I will NOT stand idly by and allow anyone to say such things about me.
I cannot understand how anyone could possibly write that I have no ideas about Occasional Teachers or that I have never put Occasional Teachers first, when my record of dedicated committed service for OTs speaks for itself.
For the past 22 years, I have counselled, advised, and assisted occasional members to stand up to against harassment and bullying and to STAND UP for JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS. It is now my time to stand up to the negative campaigning techniques and words that have been cast upon me.
So here it is:
I am PROUD of being an Occasional Teacher and of all that I have accomplished in the last 22 years as an elected executive member of TOTL (councillor, vice president, president). I am proud of what WE, the occasional teachers have accomplished over the past 22 years.
• Bargained 6 Collective Agreements, all of which, responded to the needs of OCCASIONAL TEACHERS
• Bargained fully paid Benefits for Toronto Occasional Teachers
• Bargained Paid Professional Development Days for Occasional Teachers
• Bargained increased salaries during local bargaining prior to Provincial Bargaining
• Bargained under conservative and liberal provincial governments
• Protected the rights of Occasional Teachers under the Collective Agreement
• Speak passionately about the Occasional Teachers needs across the Province at provincial meetings
• Speak passionately about Occasional Teachers being given the RESPECT WE DESERVE, in class, by the board, and within OECTA.
I have served you the Occasional Teachers with PASSION, CONVICTION, STRENGTH, AND TRUTH.
I have PROTECTED the RIGHTS of OCCASIONAL TEACHERS FOR THE PAST 22 YEARS AND IT HAS BEEN MY PRIVILEGE TO DO SO.
For 22 YEARS, I HAVE PUT OCCASIONAL TEACHERS FIRST both locally and provincially. FAIRNESS and JUSTICE is what I believe and my actions always speak for themselves.
I have the KNOWLEDGE, the HISTORY, and the UNDERSTANDING of issues, concerns, and questions facing SECONDARY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS in today's education climate.
This past year, I have been very effective in ADVISING, ASSISTING, and EDUCATING the TSU Executive about all issues relating to Occasional Teachers during this transitional year of amalgamation.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THE SECONDARY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' HARD EARNED RIGHTS ARE PROTECTED FROM INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO EXPERIENCE IN SERVICING THE NEEDS OF SECONDARY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS.
I continue today to ADVOCATE, PROMOTE, AND RESPECT for SECONDARY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS in achieving better working conditions and ensuring that OUR rights are upheld.
I CONTINUE TODAY TO ADVOCATE AND PROMOTE RESPECT FOR OCCASIONAL TEACHERS in achieving the BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENSURING THAT THEIR RIGHTS ARE UPHELD.
To those people who want to continue to throw negative comments and untruths my way, I SAY:
My name is Jo Anne Maher
I AM PROUD TO BE AN OCCASIONAL TEACHER!
I CARE ABOUT OCCASIONAL TEACHERS!
I PASSIONATELY WORK TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS!
I STAND ON MY RECORD!
I TRUST THAT THIS CLARIFIES MY STANCE.
I AM HERE TO WORK FOR SECONDARY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS!
