Durham teacher David Mastin was elected president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) at today’s Annual Meeting.
Mastin has served as first vice-president since 2021.
“At a time when public education, equity, and workers’ rights are under threat, our greatest strength lies in unity, action, and hope,” says Mastin. “I’m honoured to serve ETFO and to help lead a union grounded in trust, collaboration, and the belief that real change begins with us. Together, we will build a stronger, more connected, and more powerful union. Let’s stand up for public education, support our members, and create a better future for everyone.”
Mastin began his teaching career in 1995 with the Durham Board of Education (now Durham District School Board) after graduating from the University of Toronto. Mastin has represented ETFO members both locally and provincially since 2002.
At the Durham Teacher Local, he served as local treasurer, secretary, political action chair, second vice-president, and first vice-president, before being elected local president in 2015. Mastin also served the local as chief negotiator, and was a member of all local committees as well as the bargaining team.
Mastin was first elected to ETFO’s provincial Executive in 2013. He was elected vice president in 2019. At the provincial level, he has also served on the provincial Representative Council Steering Committee and was a past member of the Teacher Education Faculty Liaison Committee.
Kawartha Pine Ridge teacher Shirley Bell was elected first vice-president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) at their Annual Meeting. Bell has served as ETFO vice-president since 2021.
“ETFO members are overstretched and burnt out from working in high-stress environments. Now more than ever, we need a union that reflects our realities and renews our sense of purpose and connection,” says Bell.
“I will lead with integrity, courage, and a commitment to ensuring every member feels seen, heard, and valued. Together, we will stay strong, mobilized, and united in defending public education and the rights of educators.”
Bell began her teaching career in 2005 with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board after graduating with a bachelor of arts from Trent University and a bachelor of education from Queen’s University.
She began her union work as a school steward, joined the local’s Social Justice Committee and became local vice-president (female) in 2013. Locally, she served on the collective bargaining and status of women committees and was elected president of the Kawartha Pine Ridge Teacher Local in 2015.
Provincially, Bell has served on the Collective Bargaining Advisory Council Task Force, Professional Collaboration Task Force, Budget Committee, and chairs ETFO’s Donations Committee, Long Term Disability Governance Board, and Selection Committee.
She is also a liaison to 14 provincial standing committees. Bell serves on the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Executive Board, and is an Ontario Teachers’ Federation governor and fellow.
ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BulldingBetterSchools.ca.
ETFO represents approximately 83,000 members, including public elementary teachers, occasional teachers, designated early childhood educators, education support personnel, and professional support personnel. Visit BuildingBetterSchools.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
