Retirement Information for Members

We recognize that individuals planning to retire in the coming months may have unanswered questions due to recent changes to the work year in many school districts. A recent memorandum issued by the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) regarding retirement dates appears to conflict with the agreement reached at the central bargaining table, creating understandable concern among Members. Please be assured that we are actively seeking clarification on how pension entitlements may be affected by the selection of a retirement date. Importantly, for those retiring before the start of the upcoming school year, pension entitlements will remain unchanged. For individuals considering retirement in 2026, we are working diligently to obtain the necessary information to respond to your questions and will share updates as soon as they become available. The attached Q and A outlines the factual information currently available. In the meantime, we strongly encourage you to consult with your school board, the OTPP, your local Terms and Conditions Agreement and the Protective Services Team at the OPC to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

Annual Member Satisfaction Survey – Open until June 2

Our Annual Satisfaction Survey is open until June 2 and we encourage all Members to take a few minutes to share your thoughts and experiences. Your input helps shape the direction of our services, programs and advocacy efforts to better support you. This year we are also seeking your feedback on our draft five-year Strategic Plan. Visit our website to complete the 10-minute survey. You can enter to win one of eight $50 gift cards. Thank you for helping us continue to serve you better!

Seeking Content Review Advisors

We are seeking two recently retired principals—one elementary and one secondary—to  serve as Content Review Advisors for the Protective Services Team (PST). These contracted roles involve a collaborative review and update of PST Tip Sheets to ensure alignment with professional standards, legislation and inclusive practices. Apply by Tuesday, May 27 at 5:00 p.m.

Quote to Ponder

“Let’s normalize needing support and start calling it shared strength.” – Titilayo Tinubu Ali

Media

• Ontario’s teacher shortage is reaching a breaking point
• Opposition grills government over education spending for school boards
• Police and privacy commissioner investigate school board cyber attacks
• Government sends financial investigators into Toronto school boards
• TDSB trustees call for more funding, less criticism from Minister
• Colleges and universities suspend programs due to international student decline
• Rally calls for government to properly fund public education

Articles Requiring a Paid Subscription

• Have mandatory volunteer hours for students made a difference?

Queen’s Park Update

There were questions in the House last week about funding for students with special needs, funding for community mental health and addictions services, government cutbacks in per pupil funding, cutbacks to the Toronto District School Board and support for youth mental health and addiction services.