TORONTO, ON – On October 5, World Teachers’ Day, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) recognizes the expertise and extraordinary commitment of teachers in Ontario and around the world.

“Ontario’s teachers are at the heart of public education, bringing skill, compassion, and dedication to inspire learning and to help every student reach their potential,” says ETFO President David Mastin. “On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate their impact and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they have the resources and supports they need to help every student learn, grow, and succeed.”

TORONTO, ON – The following is a statement from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) President David Mastin responding to a rumour that the Ford government is considering replacing Ontario’s 72 school boards with four:

“Collapsing Ontario’s 72 school boards into four isn’t just a bad idea, it’s reckless, undemocratic, and an outright attack on public education. This move would silence parents, erase community voices, eliminate democratically elected trustees, and cut families off from decision-makers. Ford is manufacturing yet another crisis in education to tighten his grip on our schools.

It is not hyperbole to say that this unprecedented power grab would decimate public education. It would destabilize schools across the province and put student learning, safety, and well-being at risk. Premier Ford and Education Minister Calandra aren’t reforming education; they are intent on dismantling a world-class public education system that educators have built and defended for generations.

In the spring, the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) surveyed its 84,000 members to gather input to determine the Federation’s next round of central bargaining priorities for both the Teacher/Occasional Teacher Table and the Education Worker Table. Class size emerged as a unifying issue for members across the province, validating the issue as a focus during the next round of bargaining.

“For years, educators have called for smaller class sizes that better support student learning. In 2026, ETFO is bringing this fight back to the bargaining table with renewed urgency and collective strength,” says ETFO President Karen Brown. “We’ve seen how overcrowded classrooms limit what’s possible: how they stretch educators too thin, reduce opportunities for individualized support, and make it harder to create the kind of calm, safe, and inclusive spaces our students deserve.”