What’s an SSL, Anyway?
By: Lance Hiltz, STF Communications
You may have heard of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation’s school staff liaison, or SSL, but what exactly does the role involve? School staff liaisons play an important part in strengthening communication, connection and engagement between members and the Federation. Here are five things every STF member should know about the role of the SSL.
They are an important connection between members and the STF
School staff liaisons support communication between the Federation and members at the school level. One of their key responsibilities is to help ensure STF information consistently reaches members. To support this, the Federation sends monthly mailings to all SSLs. These mailings include information, resources, event details and updates related to STF priorities and initiatives. School staff liaisons are asked to share, post, and, at times, help facilitate discussion of this information with members in their school.
A central focus of the school staff liaison role is to encourage teachers to take time to learn about the STF and the issues it addresses on their behalf. By sharing Federation materials and resources, SSLs help ensure members are aware of key developments, opportunities and initiatives. This helps members stay informed and connected to the work of their Federation.
They are STF members
School staff liaisons are teachers working in schools across Saskatchewan. There are more than 770 SSLs provincewide. Some schools have one SSL, while larger schools may have two or three, depending on school size. As fellow members, SSLs understand the realities of their teacher colleagues and bring that knowledge to their role.
They can help answer questions
School staff liaisons have an understanding of STF supports and services, and if they don’t have the answer right away, they can point you in the right direction. School staff liaisons were a critical resource for their fellow teachers during the last round of provincial collective bargaining by answering questions from their colleagues, saving them from having to call or email the STF office.
They strengthen the Federation’s advocacy
School staff liaisons play an important role in supporting the advocacy work of the STF. By helping connect members to information and engagement opportunities, SSLs support collective action and awareness around issues affecting teachers and public education. Strong communication at the school level helps strengthen the Federation’s advocacy efforts both locally and across the province.
They support member engagement
Although school staff liaisons are not representatives for their school, they support member engagement by sharing information and gathering feedback. School staff liaisons amplify the collective member voice by listening to members’ questions and concerns and ensuring those are communicated more broadly. This information advises the Federation’s work and contributes to ongoing efforts to improve education in Saskatchewan.
Did you know?
In October 2023, the first SSL-ebration events were held in Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon. These events celebrated the important contributions of school staff liaisons and helped prepare SSLs for the evolution of the role.
Planning is underway for the next SSL-ebration, scheduled for the 2026-27 school year.
To learn more about becoming a school staff liaison, please contact Manager, Member Experiences and Operations Grayson Beaudin at [email protected].
From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2026