Toledo Federation of Teachers

Toledo
Federation of
Teachers

Our Mission

Toledo Federation of Teachers is a union of professionals that advocates for the social and economic well-being of our members and the children and families in our community. We are committed to advancing these principles through community engagement, organizing, collective bargaining, political activism, and especially through the work of our members.

2025 TFT Golf Outing!

Despite the cold and rain, our members had a great time at the annual TFT Golf Outing. There were smiles all around as everyone celebrated the end of another school year and the start of a well deserved summer break!

Checking out Erie St. Market...

"Thanks to Knitz's Greenhouse for the awesome flowers! They are making the office look great!"
-President Kevin Dalton

Educators Need Elected Representatives on the STRS Board!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION!

Legislators on the Ohio Retirement Study Council are evaluating whether or not to change the composition of the STRS Board. The 11 member board currently consists of seven elected members (five contributing members and two retirees members) and four non-elected members appointed or designated by politicians. We are concerned about possible changes that would reduce, or entirely eliminate, elected seats on the board.

STRS members have elected board members who represent us and have a stake in the future of STRS. These elected board members have taken their fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. They have only started restoring benefits – providing cost of living adjustments to retirees and lowering the years of service requirement for full retirement for active members – in situations approved by the fund’s actuary. They have also increased transparency at STRS, allowing members to have a clearer look at how their pension fund is being managed.

Tell your state legislators, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President that educators deserve elected representation on the STRS Board and that you support the work that our elected STRS Board members are doing.

President Kevin Dalton is Jack of All Trades, Master of All Trades!

Recently, our very own President Kevin Dalton was interviewed on a podcast with TFT member Ted Mount of Jibe Talking by Jolly Roger Sailing Club. Check out the podcast below!

Click Here to Listen!

Congratulations to the 2025 TLP!

The 2024-2025 TLP cohort had an inspiring and successful day presenting their research projects. An abbreviated title of their research is listed below. Check out the TLP page to read their research papers and learn more!

TLP Research Spotlights

Read a synopsis of their research below. Then, join us on Saturday, May 10th while TLP presents their findings from their research projects!

Deanna Rice

Black Educator Recruitment and Retention
This project centers the voices of Black educators in recommending ways urban districts can increase recruitment and retention efforts of Black educators. All students benefit from diversity in the teaching staff but the presence of Black educators is especially important for the large number of Black students that are usually found in urban schools. Studies show that recruiting Black educators is not enough but systemic changes must be made to encourage the teachers to continue teaching. The project not only addresses the reasons why Black teachers leave but proposes solutions to encourage educators to stay.

Catherine Sadowski

AI Website Access Protocol Project for the Urban District: Catherine Sadowski
The Toledo Federation of Teachers is proud to support the development of an AI Website Access Protocol for the urban District. This initiative focuses on creating a secure, student-centered framework for using AI tools in education while protecting student data privacy. The project outlines a comprehensive plan including data security standards, a rigorous AI tool evaluation process, a robust technical strategy, staff training programs, stakeholder engagement efforts, and a clear incident response protocol. By prioritizing student safety, legal compliance, and effective AI integration, this project sets a thoughtful foundation for future innovation in our classrooms.

Look Who's Retiring!

To all of our truly amazing teacher leaders and dedicated mmebers: From all of TFT, wish you a sweet and peaceful retirement!

Note: If you have a photo of a 2025 TFT retiree, please email it to tft250website@gmail.com so we can appreciate and celebrate them here, too!

Margaret Mead was right. She once said:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”