Teachers On Call Committee
Welcome to your place on the VESTA website, VESTA TOCs!Visit often to keep yourself up to date on TOC-relevant issues.
JOIN TOC Talk - our Yahoo list-serv for TOCs.
Accomplishments
We have proved that TOCs are not voiceless or powerless in this district. We can make changes if we ask for them and if we work together. Building on a strong two years of great successes, the TOC Committee is looking forward to a third year of great accomplishments!
- EI Workshop (May 2005).
- A more flexible SEMS profile system (May/June 2005).
- Meeting with Superintendent Chris Kelly (February 2005).
- TOC representative at Metro West Zone meeting.
- Presentation to board of trustees regarding plight of TOCs.
- TOC Year-End Social (June 2004).
- Meeting with Superintendent Chris Kelly (April 2004).
- TOC Resource Sharing Day (March 2004).
- Regular monthly TOC Committee meetings.
- Regular “TOCTalk†column in the VESTA News.
- TOC page on the VESTA web site.
- â€TOCTalk†online staff room for TOCs.
The VESTA Executive has also been strongly supportive of TOCs. Beyond the regular support they provide to the TOC Committee, they have also offered:
- A $1000 professional development fund for TOCs.
- TOC professional development workshop at VESTA.
Goals
Some of our future goals that we need your help to achieve include:
- Having TOCs gain seniority for the time they put in as TOCs.
- Abolishing the three-year time limit regarding retention of E status.
- Online job postings and electronic job application.
- Central drop-off for job applications year-round.
- Affordable extended health benefits for TOCs.
- More professional development opportunities and funds for TOCs.
- Resource center for access to teaching resources, photocopiers, etc.
Get Involved
The TOC Committee is always seeking new members! We welcome all TOCs to attend the monthly TOC Committee meetings. Whether you have an issue to discuss, want to learn more about upcoming plans, or would just like to hear what other TOCs are up to, we would love for you to join in. The meetings are casual and friendly and are held at the VESTA office. Our list of accomplishments shows that the TOC Committee has been able to win many successes for all TOCs in Vancouver. As you can see in the list of future goals, there is still much to fight for. The TOC Committee cannot do it alone. Depending on how much time you can spare, feel free to just drop by one meeting or volunteer to contribute on a long-term basis. There are many ways you can help out:
- Reply to a message on the “TOCTalk†online forum.
- Record meeting minutes during a TOC Committee meeting.
- Write a “TOCTalk†column for the VESTA News.
- Plan special TOC events such as socials and workshops.
- Contribute your ideas, suggestions and experience during TOC Committee meetings.
TOC Talk is our virtual "staff room" for asking questions, telling about our experiences, posting great ideas and sharing stories. To join:
1. Go to TOC Talk - our Yahoo list-serv for TOCs.
2. Click on “Teachers on call†link.
3. Scroll down to subscribe to TOCTalk, click on link (ignore “enter e-mail addressâ€).
4. Enter e-mail address.
5. You will receive an e-mail from Yahoo Groups with further instructions.
VESTA News
The TOC Committee publishes the “TOCTalk†column in the VESTA News. Columns have been used to advertise upcoming meetings and events, share great ideas and FAQs. Watch for “TOCTalk†in the VESTA News! See “Mail Outs and Phone Calls†for information on receiving VESTA News at home.VESTA Bulletin Boards
Each school has a bulletin board dedicated to VESTA information (usually in the staff room). When special TOC events are advertised, VESTA Staff Reps at each school will post flyers on these bulletin boards. Scan the VESTA bulletin board regularly to catch special TOC announcements.
Mail Outs and Phone Calls
CONTACT: Lori Liang lori@vesta.ca Make sure that the VESTA office has your current mailing address and home phone number. Mail outs such as the VESTA News and TOC newsletters are occasionally sent. In special situations, messages may also need to be relayed by phone.VESTA TOC Committee Meetings and VESTA office
There is always a VESTA Executive Member in the office happy to answer your questions. The best way to contact a VESTA Executive Member is by e-mail.
Introduction to Committees- VESTA Executive Committee
- Aboriginal Education Committee
- Anti-Poverty Committee
- Anti-Racism Committee
- Communications Committee
- Health and Safety Committee
- Pride Committee
- Professional Development Committee
- Status of Women Committee
- Sustainability Committee
Teachers on Call Committee- Working and Learning Conditions/Bargaining Committee
