2020 - 2021 SOTA Executive
Mike Giffen Email
President
I am proud to be back as the SOTA President again this year. I have been working in Seven Oaks since 2001. I have taught grades 1,2,4,5,6 &7 at Elwick and Edmund Partridge.
I was the SOTA President from 2013-2015 and have served on SOTA Executive for over 14 years. From 2011 – 2015 I served on MTS Provincial Executive. I chaired the Equity and Social Justice Committee, Education and Certification, and Curriculum and Review Committee.
I am honoured to work with our Executive on behalf of our membership and profession.
President
I am proud to be back as the SOTA President again this year. I have been working in Seven Oaks since 2001. I have taught grades 1,2,4,5,6 &7 at Elwick and Edmund Partridge.
I was the SOTA President from 2013-2015 and have served on SOTA Executive for over 14 years. From 2011 – 2015 I served on MTS Provincial Executive. I chaired the Equity and Social Justice Committee, Education and Certification, and Curriculum and Review Committee.
I am honoured to work with our Executive on behalf of our membership and profession.
Jeff Cieszecki Email
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
WSH Steering Committee
Economic Welfare Chair
I am looking forward to working this year as your SOTA Vice President. My duties as SOTA Vice President includes chairing the Economic Welfare Committee, and Public Relations Committee, and co-chairing the SOTA/Board Advisory Committee, SOTA/Board Professional Development/Ed Leave Committee. I also chair the Table Team responsible for SOTA negotiations of our Collective Agreement. Other SOTA Committees I am a member of include Resolutions, Policy/Constitution, Health Benefit Plan Advisory, and Workplace Safety and Health.
I have been a teacher with Seven Oaks for 25 years, most recently having worked at Garden City Collegiate (2 years). I have worked as a science teacher at Maples Collegiate (15.5 years), coordinator of the College and University Program and First Year Now University Program (2.5 years) and taught TAS (Engineering Design) and Science at Seven Oaks Middle School (2 years).
I have served as a member of SOTA Executive in various capacities including Past President (2018-2020), President (2015-2018), Vice-President (2013-2015), Treasurer (3 years), and Member at Large (3 years). I am also the SOTA Bargaining Chair for this round of negotiations.
Presently I am a member of the Provincial Executive (PX) with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS), serving the final year of my third two-year term. My PX committee work presently includes chairing the Collective Bargaining Standing Committee (second year), and MTS delegate to the Canadian Teachers’ Federation AGM (sixth year). I have also been a member of the MTS Education Finance Standing Committee (three years as chair), Indigenous Voice and Action Standing Committee (one year as chair), MTS Audit (includes MTS/Long Term and Short-Term Disability Plans – four years), the SAGE Ad Hoc Committee (two years, one as chair). I have also served as liaison with the following SAGE groups: Manitoba Association of Mathematics Teachers (MAMT), Science Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (STAM), Council for Aboriginal Education in Manitoba (CAEM), Manitoba Music Educators’ Association (MMEA), Manitoba Physical Educators Teachers’ Association (MPETA) and Manitoba School Counsellors’ Association (MSCA).
The work of our association is extremely valuable to help support teachers both in and out of the classroom. As SOTA Vice President I look forward to continue working on behalf of the membership to ensure your voice is heard.
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
WSH Steering Committee
Economic Welfare Chair
I am looking forward to working this year as your SOTA Vice President. My duties as SOTA Vice President includes chairing the Economic Welfare Committee, and Public Relations Committee, and co-chairing the SOTA/Board Advisory Committee, SOTA/Board Professional Development/Ed Leave Committee. I also chair the Table Team responsible for SOTA negotiations of our Collective Agreement. Other SOTA Committees I am a member of include Resolutions, Policy/Constitution, Health Benefit Plan Advisory, and Workplace Safety and Health.
I have been a teacher with Seven Oaks for 25 years, most recently having worked at Garden City Collegiate (2 years). I have worked as a science teacher at Maples Collegiate (15.5 years), coordinator of the College and University Program and First Year Now University Program (2.5 years) and taught TAS (Engineering Design) and Science at Seven Oaks Middle School (2 years).
I have served as a member of SOTA Executive in various capacities including Past President (2018-2020), President (2015-2018), Vice-President (2013-2015), Treasurer (3 years), and Member at Large (3 years). I am also the SOTA Bargaining Chair for this round of negotiations.
Presently I am a member of the Provincial Executive (PX) with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS), serving the final year of my third two-year term. My PX committee work presently includes chairing the Collective Bargaining Standing Committee (second year), and MTS delegate to the Canadian Teachers’ Federation AGM (sixth year). I have also been a member of the MTS Education Finance Standing Committee (three years as chair), Indigenous Voice and Action Standing Committee (one year as chair), MTS Audit (includes MTS/Long Term and Short-Term Disability Plans – four years), the SAGE Ad Hoc Committee (two years, one as chair). I have also served as liaison with the following SAGE groups: Manitoba Association of Mathematics Teachers (MAMT), Science Teachers’ Association of Manitoba (STAM), Council for Aboriginal Education in Manitoba (CAEM), Manitoba Music Educators’ Association (MMEA), Manitoba Physical Educators Teachers’ Association (MPETA) and Manitoba School Counsellors’ Association (MSCA).
The work of our association is extremely valuable to help support teachers both in and out of the classroom. As SOTA Vice President I look forward to continue working on behalf of the membership to ensure your voice is heard.
Elliot Macdonald
Treasurer
Treasurer
Carol Sawka
Secretary
Past President
I have been a teacher for 35 years, 31 of them in Seven Oaks. I am currently the Director of Student Services with the Maples Family of Schools. I have had the opportunity to have many roles as an educator including Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Student Services Coordinator, Vice Principal and Principal.
I have served on SOTA Executive for 20 years. My responsibilities included SOTA President for 2 years, SOTA Vice President, SOTA Past President, EIE Chair, PD Chair, Acorn Editor, Nominations Chair, Policy and Constitution Review Chair, Retirement Committee Co-Chair, Resolutions Chair and Indigenous Liaison with MTS Co-Chair. I am currently the SOTA Past President and Secretary on the 2020 -2021 SOTA Executive.
I am proud to be a SOTA member and to have the opportunity to work with and for my SOTA colleagues on SOTA Executive.
Secretary
Past President
I have been a teacher for 35 years, 31 of them in Seven Oaks. I am currently the Director of Student Services with the Maples Family of Schools. I have had the opportunity to have many roles as an educator including Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, Student Services Coordinator, Vice Principal and Principal.
I have served on SOTA Executive for 20 years. My responsibilities included SOTA President for 2 years, SOTA Vice President, SOTA Past President, EIE Chair, PD Chair, Acorn Editor, Nominations Chair, Policy and Constitution Review Chair, Retirement Committee Co-Chair, Resolutions Chair and Indigenous Liaison with MTS Co-Chair. I am currently the SOTA Past President and Secretary on the 2020 -2021 SOTA Executive.
I am proud to be a SOTA member and to have the opportunity to work with and for my SOTA colleagues on SOTA Executive.
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Lindsay Brown
It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to represent my colleagues on the 2020-2021 SOTA Executive.
A little about myself: I have taught at Maples Collegiate since 2007, working primarily with Grade 11 and 12 students in the areas of ELA and Film Studies. I am also the lead facilitator of QUESO: Queering Seven Oaks, a collective of teachers from within the division that are working to provide PD and support in the area of 2SLGBQ+ expansive education.
In my life outside of Seven Oaks, I teach at the University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Education as a Contract Academic Staff member. Additionally, I sit on the Manitoba Teachers' Society Equity and Social Justice Standing Committee and Ad Hoc Committee for Comprehensive Sex Education.
I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and have committed myself to working together with my colleagues to make our schools and community safe and welcoming for all students. Specific committee information to follow.
It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to represent my colleagues on the 2020-2021 SOTA Executive.
A little about myself: I have taught at Maples Collegiate since 2007, working primarily with Grade 11 and 12 students in the areas of ELA and Film Studies. I am also the lead facilitator of QUESO: Queering Seven Oaks, a collective of teachers from within the division that are working to provide PD and support in the area of 2SLGBQ+ expansive education.
In my life outside of Seven Oaks, I teach at the University of Winnipeg in the Faculty of Education as a Contract Academic Staff member. Additionally, I sit on the Manitoba Teachers' Society Equity and Social Justice Standing Committee and Ad Hoc Committee for Comprehensive Sex Education.
I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and have committed myself to working together with my colleagues to make our schools and community safe and welcoming for all students. Specific committee information to follow.
Daniel Buchanan
This year I will continue our work as the Co-Chair of the Equity and Social Justice Committee, while also serving as a member of the SOTA/Board Advisory Committee. I have attended many local and executive meetings in the division, as well as regional meetings, the MTS Annual General Meeting and the Rally for Public Education. I have worked as a SOTA member and School Psychologist with the Seven Oaks School Division since 2011, working in multiple schools in the division including R.F. Morrison, Forest Park, École Seven Oaks Middle School, Collicut, A.E. Wright, Belmont, and Garden City Collegiate. I have a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in the study of School Psychology. I also work outside the school division in private practice engaging with clients through Child and Family Services, MacDonald Youth Services and the Manitoba Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic. I enjoy working collaboratively with classroom teachers, learning support teachers and school teams to provide all children and teachers of Seven Oaks School Division what they need to be successful. I have also previously done practicum work in St. James Assiniboine School Division, River East Transcona School Division, and the Manitoba Youth Centre.
This year I will continue our work as the Co-Chair of the Equity and Social Justice Committee, while also serving as a member of the SOTA/Board Advisory Committee. I have attended many local and executive meetings in the division, as well as regional meetings, the MTS Annual General Meeting and the Rally for Public Education. I have worked as a SOTA member and School Psychologist with the Seven Oaks School Division since 2011, working in multiple schools in the division including R.F. Morrison, Forest Park, École Seven Oaks Middle School, Collicut, A.E. Wright, Belmont, and Garden City Collegiate. I have a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba in the study of School Psychology. I also work outside the school division in private practice engaging with clients through Child and Family Services, MacDonald Youth Services and the Manitoba Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic. I enjoy working collaboratively with classroom teachers, learning support teachers and school teams to provide all children and teachers of Seven Oaks School Division what they need to be successful. I have also previously done practicum work in St. James Assiniboine School Division, River East Transcona School Division, and the Manitoba Youth Centre.
Catherine Hart
Charlene Eckert
I have been teaching in Seven Oaks School Division since 1999 having taught grades 4, 6, 7 & 8. My career in Seven Oaks spans more time though, having also attended schools in the division and I choose to live here to educate my children.
I was raised by my family to value hard work and dedication as well as to give to my community. I carry these values in my career. I have coached various sports, participated in committees at both the school and divisional level and have collaborated with colleagues in Seven Oaks to continue my education and development as a teacher. I have also worked with the CMEC (Council of Ministers of Education, Canada) and Bureau d’Education Francais in a similar capacity.
I served as Head Councillor for my school last year and wanted to delve more into this aspect of teaching and giving. I am pleased and proud to be a new SOTA executive representative this year.
I have been teaching in Seven Oaks School Division since 1999 having taught grades 4, 6, 7 & 8. My career in Seven Oaks spans more time though, having also attended schools in the division and I choose to live here to educate my children.
I was raised by my family to value hard work and dedication as well as to give to my community. I carry these values in my career. I have coached various sports, participated in committees at both the school and divisional level and have collaborated with colleagues in Seven Oaks to continue my education and development as a teacher. I have also worked with the CMEC (Council of Ministers of Education, Canada) and Bureau d’Education Francais in a similar capacity.
I served as Head Councillor for my school last year and wanted to delve more into this aspect of teaching and giving. I am pleased and proud to be a new SOTA executive representative this year.
Jordan Laidlaw
I consider it a tremendous honour to have been elected to serve as a part of the SOTA Elective for the 2020/2021 school year, and I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their ongoing support.
I have worked in the division as a music educator, facilitating learning experiences with students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, and am presently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba. My dissertation will explore the democratization of educational leadership, investigating practices to facilitate teacher leadership for social and organizational change.
I have served as a SOTA Head Councillor, am a board member of MMEA (an MTS-affiliated SAGE), serve as the Director of Educational Outreach for a local non-profit arts organization, and am a member of the Teacher Led Learning Team at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. In 2016, I was honoured to be recognized by my community of music educators, receiving the New Builder’s Award from the Canadian Music Educators’ Association.
We are living in very precarious times; education is unequivocally the solution to many of the social tensions prevalent in our society. I am committed to upholding the protection of public education and our teaching profession.
I consider it a tremendous honour to have been elected to serve as a part of the SOTA Elective for the 2020/2021 school year, and I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their ongoing support.
I have worked in the division as a music educator, facilitating learning experiences with students ranging from Kindergarten to Grade 6. In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I have completed my M.Ed. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, and am presently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at the University of Manitoba. My dissertation will explore the democratization of educational leadership, investigating practices to facilitate teacher leadership for social and organizational change.
I have served as a SOTA Head Councillor, am a board member of MMEA (an MTS-affiliated SAGE), serve as the Director of Educational Outreach for a local non-profit arts organization, and am a member of the Teacher Led Learning Team at the Manitoba Teachers’ Society. In 2016, I was honoured to be recognized by my community of music educators, receiving the New Builder’s Award from the Canadian Music Educators’ Association.
We are living in very precarious times; education is unequivocally the solution to many of the social tensions prevalent in our society. I am committed to upholding the protection of public education and our teaching profession.
Lisa Meyers
I have proudly taught grade 1 and/or 2 in the Seven Oaks School Division since I became a teacher in 2010. I have gotten to know many teachers across our division from the different schools I have worked in, both in the Maples and West Kildonan areas, and while serving on SOTA as a head councillor. I have enjoyed attending MTS’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the past two years and have acquired a clearer understanding of the interconnected relationship between our teachers’ association and our larger union.
As an new executive member-at-large, I am looking forward to continuing to make connections and grow my understanding to better serve our members. As part of my duties I will be chairing the Resolutions Committee which will look to continue SOTA’s tradition of being a voice for teachers and to put forth resolutions at this year’s AGM. I am also a part of the Economic Welfare Committee and sit on the current table team.
I have proudly taught grade 1 and/or 2 in the Seven Oaks School Division since I became a teacher in 2010. I have gotten to know many teachers across our division from the different schools I have worked in, both in the Maples and West Kildonan areas, and while serving on SOTA as a head councillor. I have enjoyed attending MTS’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the past two years and have acquired a clearer understanding of the interconnected relationship between our teachers’ association and our larger union.
As an new executive member-at-large, I am looking forward to continuing to make connections and grow my understanding to better serve our members. As part of my duties I will be chairing the Resolutions Committee which will look to continue SOTA’s tradition of being a voice for teachers and to put forth resolutions at this year’s AGM. I am also a part of the Economic Welfare Committee and sit on the current table team.
Joanne Kosheluk
Thank you for allowing me to represent you on the SOTA Executive as a Member at Large this 2010/20 year!
I got passionate about becoming involved with the teachers union around 5 years ago as I got into bigger and more challenging conversations at home with my partner about the other side of teaching. I was reminded that we become our best teacher selves when we are taking care of one another in this profession. My union life began as the Contact Rep in my school in a different association, and carried into my SOTA life last year when I returned to the division. I wanted to become more involved and active in the union and I am so proud to be a part of the team that helps to make changes and strengthen our Association and thrilled to be the ESJ Chair for the year!
Who I am: After 20 years of being a freelance musician/private teacher (flute), I am in my 8th year of teaching band in the public school system! I teach middle years band at Leila North, leading 400 students through a variety of music, instruments, and performances each year. I also co-lead the Leila North Colour Club (our GSA), and lead the Leila North Eco Club.
At home, I am the parent to an amazing 13 year old daughter, a 13 year old shelter kitty, a 6 year old dentally challenged rescue cocker spaniel, and a three year old very interesting looking half-cocker-spaniel-half who-knows-what rescue pup (son of the cocker spaniel). As well as partner to a super Union-Passionate human :). I also co-run the animal rescue advocacy group Manitoba Musicians for Mutts.
I look forward to the big conversations and decisions that this year holds. We will find our best successes by listening to each others voices and stories. Let’s work together to keep SOTA strong and a great voice for all!
Thank you for allowing me to represent you on the SOTA Executive as a Member at Large this 2010/20 year!
I got passionate about becoming involved with the teachers union around 5 years ago as I got into bigger and more challenging conversations at home with my partner about the other side of teaching. I was reminded that we become our best teacher selves when we are taking care of one another in this profession. My union life began as the Contact Rep in my school in a different association, and carried into my SOTA life last year when I returned to the division. I wanted to become more involved and active in the union and I am so proud to be a part of the team that helps to make changes and strengthen our Association and thrilled to be the ESJ Chair for the year!
Who I am: After 20 years of being a freelance musician/private teacher (flute), I am in my 8th year of teaching band in the public school system! I teach middle years band at Leila North, leading 400 students through a variety of music, instruments, and performances each year. I also co-lead the Leila North Colour Club (our GSA), and lead the Leila North Eco Club.
At home, I am the parent to an amazing 13 year old daughter, a 13 year old shelter kitty, a 6 year old dentally challenged rescue cocker spaniel, and a three year old very interesting looking half-cocker-spaniel-half who-knows-what rescue pup (son of the cocker spaniel). As well as partner to a super Union-Passionate human :). I also co-run the animal rescue advocacy group Manitoba Musicians for Mutts.
I look forward to the big conversations and decisions that this year holds. We will find our best successes by listening to each others voices and stories. Let’s work together to keep SOTA strong and a great voice for all!
Julie Springer
I have worked in Seven Oaks since 2006, where I began my as an Educational Assistance while in the CATEP program. I have taught a variety of grades, which has been a challenge that has brought a lot of joy as I learn and grow with my students each year. In 2017 I completed my Post-Bac in Indigenous Knowledge.
In 2015 I joined SOTA as a school representative and then as a head councillor. I began the position of treasurer in November of 2018. In this, the 2019-2020 year I again am serving as treasurer, as well as assisting with the Indigenous Liaison committee. Being a part of executive has been an opportunity for personal and professional growth as I gain a deeper understanding of how the association works while challenging myself in new ways. It has also been a great opportunity to connect with the membership to serve their needs.
I have worked in Seven Oaks since 2006, where I began my as an Educational Assistance while in the CATEP program. I have taught a variety of grades, which has been a challenge that has brought a lot of joy as I learn and grow with my students each year. In 2017 I completed my Post-Bac in Indigenous Knowledge.
In 2015 I joined SOTA as a school representative and then as a head councillor. I began the position of treasurer in November of 2018. In this, the 2019-2020 year I again am serving as treasurer, as well as assisting with the Indigenous Liaison committee. Being a part of executive has been an opportunity for personal and professional growth as I gain a deeper understanding of how the association works while challenging myself in new ways. It has also been a great opportunity to connect with the membership to serve their needs.