2019 - 2020 SOTA Executive
Mike Giffen Contact
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 10 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 10 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.
Shelley Torz Contact
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
WSH Steering Committee
I have been teaching since 2001 within the Seven Oaks School Division. I have been involved with Association work for 10+ years; first as a councillor, then on association committees, and as head councillor for at least 5 years.
Within schools I have been a volunteer coach, have been a participant in several Ed Leaves; the results of which have led to a Science enrichment class that ran out of the Inner City Science Centre for middle years students.
As an active SOTA member I have not only attended council meetings regularly for the past 10 years, but I have taken an interest and volunteered on several committees:
I believe in leading by example, and I wish to demonstrate to you, the SOTA membership, and my children that one must actively participate to advocate and understand. I look forward to this year as your SOTA Vice President, and the opportunity that it provides me with, to not only advocate for my fellow members but to try to extol my enthusiasm for the great work of our Association. My interest in SOTA Executive has grown and developed over many years through my participation; I encourage you all to become more active in SOTA, to be informed, and participate.
Vice President
SOTA/Board PD/Ed Leave Chair
SOTA/Board Advisory Co-Chair
Member Services Chair
Public Relations Chair
WSH Steering Committee
I have been teaching since 2001 within the Seven Oaks School Division. I have been involved with Association work for 10+ years; first as a councillor, then on association committees, and as head councillor for at least 5 years.
Within schools I have been a volunteer coach, have been a participant in several Ed Leaves; the results of which have led to a Science enrichment class that ran out of the Inner City Science Centre for middle years students.
As an active SOTA member I have not only attended council meetings regularly for the past 10 years, but I have taken an interest and volunteered on several committees:
- I have attended AGM,
- I have taken part in divisional programs and initiatives such as Science Camp, and the planning of our 7 Oaks Divisional Day,
- I have sat on the SOTA Economic Welfare Committee – assisting in the preparation of the proposal of amendments to the Collective Agreement,
- I have been a representative on the Professional Issues Committee – working with the SOTA team and Board members to assess the professional development needs of the members of the Association as well as aid in the administration of the SOTA/Board PD Fund.
I believe in leading by example, and I wish to demonstrate to you, the SOTA membership, and my children that one must actively participate to advocate and understand. I look forward to this year as your SOTA Vice President, and the opportunity that it provides me with, to not only advocate for my fellow members but to try to extol my enthusiasm for the great work of our Association. My interest in SOTA Executive has grown and developed over many years through my participation; I encourage you all to become more active in SOTA, to be informed, and participate.
Jeff Cieszecki
Past President
Economic Welfare Chair
Table Team Chair
Nominations Chair
Policy Review Chair
Currently I am your SOTA Past President. I have served as President of the Seven Oaks Teachers’ Association for three years (2015-2018) that included representing the collective locally on the Divisional Workplace Safety and Health Steering Committee (as employee co-chair), Economic Welfare Committee, Negotiations Table Team and SOTA/Superintendents Liaison. Outside of the Association I participated in meetings with Metro Association Presidents and Collective Bargainers, Workplace Safety and Health and President’s Council.
I served as SOTA Vice-President (2013-2015) with duties that included the SOTA Professional Development Committee, SOTA/Board Advisory (co-chair), Economic Welfare Committee, Negotiations Table Team and the Constitution and Policy Review Committee. Further work included participation in Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) regional workshops on Professional Development, Education Finance, Employee Benefits, Equity and Social Justice and Collective Bargaining.
I also served on SOTA Executive as Treasurer (3 years) and as Member at Large (3 years) chairing committees for Professional Development and Education Finance. I was a member of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society’s Educational Finance Standing Committee (5 years). I have also represented SOTA members at 12 MTS Annual General Meetings during my time in Seven Oaks. My involvement with teacher groups includes an interim position as Treasurer with the Manitoba School Counsellors’ Association. I also served as a SOTA Head Counsellor/Counsellor at Maples Collegiate.
Presently I am a member of the Provincial Executive (PX) with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS), serving my third two-year term. My PX committee work presently includes Education Finance Standing Committee (third year as chair), MTS Audit (includes MTS/Long Term and Short Term Disability Plans – fourth year), Canadian Teacher’s Federation /Education International Ad hoc (fourth year), and the MTS Reserve Fund Review. Other MTS committees that I have been involved with include the Indigenous Voice and Action Standing Committee (IVASC – as chair), 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).
I have been a teacher with Seven Oaks for 24 years, with a current assignment at Garden City Collegiate. 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).
The work of our association is extremely valuable to help support teachers both in and out of the classroom. As Past President of the Seven Oaks Teachers’ Association I look forward to continue working on behalf of the membership to ensure your voice is heard.
Past President
Economic Welfare Chair
Table Team Chair
Nominations Chair
Policy Review Chair
Currently I am your SOTA Past President. I have served as President of the Seven Oaks Teachers’ Association for three years (2015-2018) that included representing the collective locally on the Divisional Workplace Safety and Health Steering Committee (as employee co-chair), Economic Welfare Committee, Negotiations Table Team and SOTA/Superintendents Liaison. Outside of the Association I participated in meetings with Metro Association Presidents and Collective Bargainers, Workplace Safety and Health and President’s Council.
I served as SOTA Vice-President (2013-2015) with duties that included the SOTA Professional Development Committee, SOTA/Board Advisory (co-chair), Economic Welfare Committee, Negotiations Table Team and the Constitution and Policy Review Committee. Further work included participation in Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS) regional workshops on Professional Development, Education Finance, Employee Benefits, Equity and Social Justice and Collective Bargaining.
I also served on SOTA Executive as Treasurer (3 years) and as Member at Large (3 years) chairing committees for Professional Development and Education Finance. I was a member of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society’s Educational Finance Standing Committee (5 years). I have also represented SOTA members at 12 MTS Annual General Meetings during my time in Seven Oaks. My involvement with teacher groups includes an interim position as Treasurer with the Manitoba School Counsellors’ Association. I also served as a SOTA Head Counsellor/Counsellor at Maples Collegiate.
Presently I am a member of the Provincial Executive (PX) with the Manitoba Teachers’ Society (MTS), serving my third two-year term. My PX committee work presently includes Education Finance Standing Committee (third year as chair), MTS Audit (includes MTS/Long Term and Short Term Disability Plans – fourth year), Canadian Teacher’s Federation /Education International Ad hoc (fourth year), and the MTS Reserve Fund Review. Other MTS committees that I have been involved with include the Indigenous Voice and Action Standing Committee (IVASC – as chair), 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).
I have been a teacher with Seven Oaks for 24 years, with a current assignment at Garden City Collegiate. 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).
The work of our association is extremely valuable to help support teachers both in and out of the classroom. As Past President of the Seven Oaks Teachers’ Association I look forward to continue working on behalf of the membership to ensure your voice is heard.
Julie Springer
Treasurer
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.
Treasurer
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.
Carol Sawka
Secretary
Indigenous Liaison Chair
I have been a teacher for 34 years, 30 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 19 years. My responsibilities included SOTA President for 2 years, SOTA Vice President, SOTA Past President (twice), EIE Chair, PD Chair, Acorn Editor, Nominations Chair, Policy and Constitution Review Chair, Retirement Committee Co-chair and Resolutions Chair. Currently, I am the SOTA Secretary and the Indigenous Liaison Co-Chair with MTS. I am honoured to continue to have the opportunity to work with and for my SOTA colleagues as a member of your SOTA Executive.
Secretary
Indigenous Liaison Chair
I have been a teacher for 34 years, 30 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 19 years. My responsibilities included SOTA President for 2 years, SOTA Vice President, SOTA Past President (twice), EIE Chair, PD Chair, Acorn Editor, Nominations Chair, Policy and Constitution Review Chair, Retirement Committee Co-chair and Resolutions Chair. Currently, I am the SOTA Secretary and the Indigenous Liaison Co-Chair with MTS. I am honoured to continue to have the opportunity to work with and for my SOTA colleagues as a member of your SOTA Executive.
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Lindsay Brown
Scholarship Selection Chair
It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to represent my colleagues on the 2018-2019 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 a teacher supervisor for the Maples Improv Team and help to organize the Maples Poetry Slam. 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+ inclusive 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, and sit on the Manitoba Teachers' Society Equity and Social Justice Standing Committee.
I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and have committed myself to working together with my colleagues to make our schools and community safe and welcoming for all students. I am looking forward to chairing the Scholarship Committee, learning more about Ed Finance, and assisting with the Equity and Social Justice Committee.
Scholarship Selection Chair
It is my absolute pleasure and privilege to represent my colleagues on the 2018-2019 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 a teacher supervisor for the Maples Improv Team and help to organize the Maples Poetry Slam. 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+ inclusive 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, and sit on the Manitoba Teachers' Society Equity and Social Justice Standing Committee.
I am a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and have committed myself to working together with my colleagues to make our schools and community safe and welcoming for all students. I am looking forward to chairing the Scholarship Committee, learning more about Ed Finance, and assisting with the Equity and Social Justice Committee.
Daniel Buchanan
Education FInance Chair
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.
Education FInance Chair
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
Employee Benefits Chair
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.
Employee Benefits Chair
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.
Niall McFadyen
SOTA/Board Technology Committee Co-Chair
I have been teaching in the Seven Oaks School Division since 2009. I began as a grade 7 teacher, and I am currently teaching multimedia and technology at École Leila North as part of the division’s TAA/TAS programs. As part of the TAA/TAS team I have taught students from schools including École Leila North, A.E. Wright, Elwick, École Seven Oaks Middle School, Amber Trails, and O.V. Jewitt.
I am a strong believer in lifelong learning, having continued to take courses throughout my teaching career in areas such as educational technology, creativity in the classroom, and special education. As a teacher I have been a volunteer coach and I have been taken part in programs and initiatives such as the 7Oaks Student Film Festival, Arts In The Park, and Student Vote. Over the past several years I have been involved with SOTA as a school rep and as a head councillor.
SOTA/Board Technology Committee Co-Chair
I have been teaching in the Seven Oaks School Division since 2009. I began as a grade 7 teacher, and I am currently teaching multimedia and technology at École Leila North as part of the division’s TAA/TAS programs. As part of the TAA/TAS team I have taught students from schools including École Leila North, A.E. Wright, Elwick, École Seven Oaks Middle School, Amber Trails, and O.V. Jewitt.
I am a strong believer in lifelong learning, having continued to take courses throughout my teaching career in areas such as educational technology, creativity in the classroom, and special education. As a teacher I have been a volunteer coach and I have been taken part in programs and initiatives such as the 7Oaks Student Film Festival, Arts In The Park, and Student Vote. Over the past several years I have been involved with SOTA as a school rep and as a head councillor.
Lisa Meyers
Resolutions Chair
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.
Resolutions Chair
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
Equity & Social Justice Chair
Equity & Social Justice Chair
Elizabeth Walker
Wellness Chair
I began my career in Seven Oaks School Division as a substitute educational assistant in 1991. I enjoyed it so much that I returned to university and received my teaching degree in 1998. Upon graduating I was an early years substitute and term teacher for several years. I began working at Elwick School in 2005 and for six years taught Kindergarten and grade one. I am currently at West St. Paul School starting my eighth year, teaching in an early years multi-age classroom.
Between 2011 and 2015 I represented my colleagues as a member-at-large on SOTA Executive. With that experience I felt it was time to get involved and take the opportunity to once again serve the members of SOTA. I believe in equity and fairness for teachers who dedicate countless hours to make a difference in the lives of our students and I will work hard on behalf of my Seven Oaks colleagues.
My motivation in education is the mental health and well-being of all students and teachers. Over the summer I completed a mental health counselling certificate course. I feel that it is important to always be curious and continue to learn throughout life.
Wellness Chair
I began my career in Seven Oaks School Division as a substitute educational assistant in 1991. I enjoyed it so much that I returned to university and received my teaching degree in 1998. Upon graduating I was an early years substitute and term teacher for several years. I began working at Elwick School in 2005 and for six years taught Kindergarten and grade one. I am currently at West St. Paul School starting my eighth year, teaching in an early years multi-age classroom.
Between 2011 and 2015 I represented my colleagues as a member-at-large on SOTA Executive. With that experience I felt it was time to get involved and take the opportunity to once again serve the members of SOTA. I believe in equity and fairness for teachers who dedicate countless hours to make a difference in the lives of our students and I will work hard on behalf of my Seven Oaks colleagues.
My motivation in education is the mental health and well-being of all students and teachers. Over the summer I completed a mental health counselling certificate course. I feel that it is important to always be curious and continue to learn throughout life.