OSSTF/FEESO Member Awards

Each year, we have the wonderful opportunity to recognize OSSTF/FEESO Members, Districts, and Bargaining Units for the outstanding work they do on behalf of the Federation and our Membership. The recipients of the awards presented at OSSTF/FEESO Annual Meeting of the Provincial Assembly (AMPA) are Members and local leaders who are well known to many of us because of the countless hours that they have dedicated to our Federation, both locally and provincially. Their contributions have left a lasting impression on our Federation, its Members, and their local communities, and we sincerely thank them for their hard work and dedication. The OSSTF/FEESO Health and Safety Activist Award recognizes outstanding achievement in health and safety by an OSSTF/FEESO Member. Chris Chandler, from District 12, has proven himself to be a dedicated and influential advocate for the health and safety of Members. Chris has played a pivotal role in improving health and safety standards within his District and across the province, identifying potential hazards, implementing effective safety strategies and ensuring Members have the training and resources necessary to protect themselves and others in the workplace. Rebecca Calvert-Hamilton, from District 11, has gone above and beyond to support OSSTF/FEESO Members by identifying problems and proposing solutions.  Rebecca has helped District 11 advocate to the school board to identify serious health and safety concerns for Members. The OSSTF/FEESO Status of Women Award is presented annually to recognize leadership by an OSSTF/FEESO Member in advocating and building awareness of women’s economic and equality issues. Diane Kewley, from District 24, has gone far beyond the expectations of her position, relentlessly championing the rights and interests of women Members. In the words of a Member, Diane has organized to bring light to available programming for teachers and education workers to our Members and the public through supporting community organizations at events like the March for Take Back the Night. Her District reports that “Diane is beloved,” making it clear that Diane’s impact is far reaching in every aspect of her work. The OSSTF/FEESO Political Action Award is presented to a Mmemberember who has shown outstanding leadership in political action, either within the Federation or through work with political parties, other unions or labour councils.  This year we have two recipients. Carlos Santander-Maturana, District 6A, and Nicole Clark, District 18, have both demonstrated exception political action experience at both the District and Provincial level. Carlos has been instrumental in promoting public education and the advancement of the three pillars of the Strategic Action Plan. His connection with his community is inspiring, significant and has left a legacy in District 6A. Carlos’ commitment to political action and advocacy exemplifies the true meaning of unionism. Nicole has made significant political contributions to OSSTF/FEESO, her community and the labour movement in general. Nicole has turned the Guelph and District Labour Council from a struggling group to a growing force. Nicole’s community advocacy led to the Guelph city council deciding at the end of December 2024 to restore funding to the Royal City Mission to open its doors to Guelph’s homeless population for all of 2025. She is a force to be reckoned with and continues to be dedicated to her union and her community. The OSSTF/FEESO Communication Award takes into consideration all forms of communication that the nominee asks to be judged. This can include, but is not limited to, newsletters, websites, social media and issue-based campaigns.  The award may be presented to an individual, District or Bargaining Unit. Brent Yacoback and Jake Loof, from District 4, have undertaken a tremendous amount of work to update the communications to the Members of District 4.  Their collaborative approach and ability to work as a unit has increased the valuable communications that our Members in District 4 receive. Each of them has specific responsibilities, but they cross over to assist and advise each other.  They truly are an incredible team. The OSSTF/FEESO Human Rights Award. The winner of this year’s award has shown exemplary dedication in the struggle for equity and the promotion of human rights locally, provincially and/or internationally over several years. This year’s recipient is Jennifer Speiran, from District 16.  Jennifer’s long-time dedication to human rights activism locally, provincially, and nationally is well recognized by her District 16 colleagues and provincial OSSTF colleagues. Jennifer is passionate about the rights of others and speaks eloquently from her personal perspective. Her work helped to create a workgroup for Persons with Disabilities in 2024.  She has spoken to many equity motions at OSSTF/FEESO events as a mentor, as a woman and as a proud Métis artist. The Comité des services en langue française award recognizes an OSSTF/FEESO Member who distinguishes themself and is involved in the growth and the promotion of the French language within OSSTF/FEESO. Within their workplace, candidates will also have demonstrated contributions to French language activities that have an impact on the education system.  Pastel Andress has launched a variety of initiatives to ensure that materials and training be offered in French, by French presenters, in a clear and efficient way, all the while respecting the sector’s standards and requirements. She has demonstrated great availability, initiative and a great sense of leadership by organizing many holiday celebrations for children. Not only does Ms. Pastel organize these activities, but she also seeks the help of young teenagers in our community to bring awareness to them and invite them to increase their participation in Francophone living in Ontario. The OSSTF/FEESO Education Services Leadership Award is bestowed on a Member in current standing in recognition of exceptional contributions to the professional growth and development of fellow Members over a significant period of time. Shannon Smith, from District 22, has been a longstanding member of the Education Services Committee both locally and provincially. Shannon has developed, delivered, and promoted professional growth and involvement in the Federation for many years. She dedicates a lot of her own time researching, planning and providing direction to our local Members in various capacities including, but not limited to, emails, phone calls, meetings and professional development sessions. The OSSTF/FEESO Solidarity Award honours and publicly celebrates a Member outside of the Provincial Office who, throughout their career, has embodied the Federation motto – Let us not take thought for our separate interests, but let us help one another. To be considered for the award, the Member must have completed exemplary work within a Local or District, and whose leadership and activism has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening the Federation. Aside from presenting the solidarity award itself, the federation can also bestow an honourable mention to nominees. This year, we are presenting an honourable mention to Dave Warda, District 14, for the incredibly legacy of unionism that he has left in his District and provincially. This year’s winner of the Solidarity Award is Donna Beischlag, from District 17. Donna is always willing to lend a hand by mentoring Members who are just starting out or who want to get involved in some capacity within the federation. She works hard to ensure that she is always professional, personable, and knowledgeable. She is a true union soul, always fighting for what’s right and standing together with those not only in her own union, but in other unions as well. You will always see Donna on a local picket line, supporting all union workers. She is also willing to lend a hand in her community with any event that brings people together. Whether it’s a PRIDE march, a women’s gathering, or a community roundtable on poverty, Donna will be there, leading the way with her