A former Member of the OPC who retired in good standing and who returns to work for a school board in a temporary role as a school or system administrator has the option of joining the OPC as a Term Member*.
In 2021, in light of the shortages caused by the pandemic, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) has extended the ability to work without a suspension of a retiree’s pension from 50 days to 95 days (subject to certain preconditions). Normally, working as a “supply” principal or vice-principal must end after the month in which the person reaches 50 days of re-employment.
Our fee for Term Members is 50 per cent the current annual Member fee. Please note the fee is also tax deductible.
This fee is unchanged, notwithstanding the increase in the number of days a Term Member can work. In exchange for the fee, Term Members can
- seek advice and support from the OPC in accordance with the Protective Services Policy
- enjoy the same opportunities to participate in professional development at the Member rate
- receive access to The Register and PST Resources via the website
- receive weekly President’s Messages and
- receive other timely communications from the OPC.
The following are some questions retirees seeking re-employment in a “term” or “supply” position would want to raise with the board. Note that here is no common agreement for this position, so you’re essentially negotiating a personal services contract. The document to reflect your agreement can range from an offer letter, in which the board dictates (usually very minimal) terms, there can be a formal contract or you can even negotiate terms by way of an exchange of written correspondence (such as email).
*If returning as an occasional teacher, the former OPC Member must join the relevant occasional teachers’ union.
| What is the term of the agreement? |
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Ensure that the agreement acknowledges your desire to avoid violating the Teachers Pension Plan Board (TPPB) re-employment requirements. If you work past the month in which you reach 50 days of employment (or 95 days in 2020-2021 in certain circumstances), then you’ll go back to contributing to your pension (and will be required to pay back pension contributions retroactive to your first day of work). To avoid any confusion around this issue, be sure to consult with the OTPP ahead of time. |
| What are the expectations for the role? |
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The agreement should stipulate that you will work on the school days set out in the school year calendar (unless you are willing to work at other times). Confirm whether you will be able to work from home or if you will be required to attend at a school or the board office. If you have any plans that will require you to take time off, any special arrangements should be noted. |
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What is the daily rate? Are any other perquisites available? |
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| Are they offering any paid sick leave? |
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Given the risk of becoming ill due to COVID-19, there may be an ability to bargain for some paid sick leave. |
| Will they defend and indemnify you if there’s litigation? |
| This is likely, given that the insurance policies would cover anyone acting as an agent for the board. However, some districts provide indemnification protections to their full-time principals and vice-principals beyond what’s included in insurance policies. Retirees will only get these additional protections if they negotiate them into their contracts. |
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Will they pay for your OCT fees? |
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Since you are in high demand, you may be able to negotiate this. |
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Will they pay for OPC term membership? |
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Since you are in high demand, you may be able to negotiate this. Our OPC Term Membership has benefited individuals who have faced Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) complaints against them, allegations of abuse to the Children's Aid Society (CAS)/police, as well as many instances where peer support has been beneficial in handling conflict with staff and/or parents at the school. |
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