PETL Awards Nomination Forms

The Cheryl Heslop Advocacy Award was established in 2010 to honour Cheryl Heslop, a Local Union president and teacher, who passed away in 2009 after many years of service with the Peel Board of Education, the Peel Women Teachers’ Association and the Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local.

The award will be given to a member of the PETL who reflects the qualities that Cheryl demonstrated during her long career.  Cheryl was a tireless advocate for teachers and students; she was devoted to improving the lives of children and the working conditions of her colleagues.  Cheryl was an unassuming, fun-loving, professional, positive and caring person who instilled confidence that reassured both colleagues and students.

Cheryl Heslop Advocacy Award Criteria:

The PETL Cheryl Heslop Award will be awarded to a PETL member. Nominees should reflect the the qualities Cheryl exemplified during her many years of advocacy on behalf of students, colleagues and the teaching profession. Eligible candidates will demonstrate:

• Collaboration
• Confidence
• Creativity
• Fun-loving attitude
• Humility
• Professionalism
• Positive problem solving skills
• A dynamic approach and a commitment to reaching all learners

The Honourary Life Membership Award may be granted to individuals who:

• will retire in the current school year or have already retired from the education profession; AND
• have given outstanding service to the Federation at the Provincial or Local level in roles that may include, but are not limited to, the following: PETL/ETFO Executive member, PETL/ETFO Committee member, PETL/ETFO Presenter, PETL member appointed to represent the Union in an outside organization or any other activity which has contributed to the advancement or well-being of the Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local.

The Human Rights Award has been established to honour members championing equity and human rights. Upon the occasion of her retirement, Zubeda Vahed spearheaded the creation of this award. Zubeda worked as a teacher, resource teacher, a consultant, an Education Officer for the Ministry of Education and Equity Officer for the Peel District School Board. She served as and executive member of the Peel Women Teachers’ Association (prior to PETL) and as a Director of the Federation of Women Teachers’ Association of Ontario (prior to ETFO). Throughout her career, Zubeda played a significant role in raising awareness and championing equity and human rights.

Human Rights Award Criteria:

The PETL Human Rights Award will be awarded to a PETL member (or group) that as brought forth awareness or change through an equity or social justice initiative. The initiative should reflect the following criteria:

• Embodies the values of equity and social justice
• Inspires, empowers, and engages people in equity work while also promoting critical thinking
• Follows ETFO’s Anti-Oppressive Framework using an anti-colonial lens
• Raises awareness of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation
• Aligns with ETFO’s Human Rights Statement
• Commitment to ETFO’s Objectives and Priorities
• Dedication to PETL’s Core Values and Strategic Goals

The Ted Wilkinson Steward Award was established in 2001 to honour Ted Wilkinson, a dedicated and caring Peel teacher, who worked diligently for his colleagues and students.

Ted served for many years on the executives of the Ontario Public School Teachers’ Federation – Peel District (OPSTF) and the Educators’ Association (EA).  He was instrumental in the development of the Constitution of the EA and served as deputy speaker for many years at the regular assembly meetings. Upon his retirement, Ted was awarded an Honourary Life Membership by OPSTF Peel (now PETL).

Ted Wilkinson Steward Award Criteria:

The PETL Ted Wilkinson Steward Award will be awarded to a PETL member and should reflect the following criteria:

• Attends PETL membership meetings regularly in the role of Steward
• Represents and promotes the Union with integrity and positivity
• Actively communicates as liaison between PETL, members, and administrators
• Engages and organizes members at their worksite
• Supports and advocates on behalf of members
• Willingness to serve and take on added responsibility
• Commitment to ETFO’s Objectives and Priorities
• Dedication to PETL’s Core Values and Strategic Goals