Administrative Staff
A General Secretary, an Assistant General Secretary and 11 Executive Assistants, collectively know as the administrative staff, are hired by the provincial Executive to work for the provincial organization. The administrative staff work closely with the Executive, supporting their work as they carry out planning, decision-making and political functions for the provincial organization.
Member Services
Ten of the 11 Executive Assistants are assigned a geographic area in which they serve as the primary contact for any member or local association officer. The other Executive Assistant is dedicated to provincial and local collective bargaining. On most days of the school year, there is an Executive Assistant assigned to receiving calls that come in from members to the provincial organization, so that any member can receive assistance in a timely way.
Members of the administrative staff provide information, advice and support to teachers as needed, including access to legal advice when necessary. They rely on councillors, local association leaders and STF school staff liaisons to refer to them, any situations that may require mediation or conflict resolution with members, support for members engage in contractual or other disputes with their employers. Because they are employees of the Federation, Executive Assistants have no political role that may influence or be influenced in their work with STF members. Their services are confidential and they seek to assist with timely and effective solutions that resolve issues and encourage respectful relationships.
If you find yourself in a conflict situation that has arisen out of supervision and evaluation processes or interpersonal and professional relationships with others (including fellow teachers, principals, central office staff, school boards or parents), contact the provincial organization for assistance.
Strategic Planning
Under the supervision of the General Secretary, whose position is equivalent to that of Chief Executive Officer, Executive Assistants are responsible for implementing the STF Strategic Plan approved each year by the Executive. Embodied in the STF Strategic Plan are the Federation's goals and priorities with respect to its three foundational functions (Social and Political Advocacy, Professional Stewardship and Responsibility,and Economic Services) and three operational functions (Governance, Administration, and Field and Membership Services).
Advocacy and Outreach
Administrative staff act as representatives of the Executive, and therefore the Federation, in interactions at the provincial level. They typically work with local associations, fiduciary boards, provincial committees, the provincial government and Ministry of Education officials, major educational organizations in Saskatchewan, and teachers’ organizations across Canada. To assist them in carrying out this work effectively, Executive Assistants engage in professional development activities and have access to an extensive information and support network. As a result, they are in a position to bring highly specialized, wide-ranging information and advice to the Executive, the Council and local association leaders.