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There we have it people–the culmination of the Re-Imagine Education initiative. Well, at least sort of. For as much as they might have tied a bow to the 10-month process in a swanky Regina hotel, the litmus test will be what happens now that the widespread consultations have been formally presented to Education Minister Gord Wyant and his colleagues.

Reading through the presentation, it’s readily apparent how much of a general consensus there was when you consider there were 19 various partners involved which covered a pretty wide spectrum. And it would be fair to say not everyone has the exact same interests as their focus, yet there was no doubting that the folks who poured their heart and soul into this came away convinced that, above all else, our schools need to present a safe, inviting learning environment for all students.

It wasn’t difficult to spot the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation hierarchy following keynote presenter Annie Kidder’s speech at the Councillor Conference opening session.

By all accounts, they were the ones with the smile on their face. Without any prompting, Kidder, the widely respected executive director of the Ontario-based People for Education non-profit association, praised the merits of the Re-Imagine Education initiative undertaken by the STF and a host of outside organizations in contemplating the future of public education in Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is changing.

We have come a long way since 1933 and are working hard to support teachers and publicly funded public education in Saskatchewan. To reflect these changes, we have rebranded the Federation to align with the new service offerings and supports for our members.

While the current logo is recognizable given the many years it’s been in use, it’s often misunderstood. The Federation needs a new brand; one that is strong and distinct, clearly displaying who we are and what we stand for. A new brand that builds upon a solid foundation; one that celebrates successes.

The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation has declared an impasse in provincial collective bargaining. No progress has been made on the two issues of most importance to teachers: class size and composition, and salary. The third issue, that being contracts of employment for substitute teachers, was also identified by the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee as being non-negotiable.

The Teachers’ Bargaining Committee has requested that the Educational Relations Board establish a Conciliation Board to provide assistance in reaching a provincial collective bargaining agreement.

Yesterday, the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee and the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee resumed negotiations. Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation President Patrick Maze will be available at 9:30 a.m. today to provide media with an update.