The Ontario History and Social Science Teachers’ Association (O.H.A.S.S.T.A.) is the singular province-wide teacher organization that represents History and Social Science teachers. For 39 years this organization has worked to ensure that you are represented at all discussions where the Ministry of Education seeks input. O.H.A.S.S.T.A. is also the only provincial teacher organization that brings History and Social Science teachers together from across the province for access to the latest and best publishers’ materials, curriculum development, professional development and professional dialogue.

The O.H.A.S.S.T.A. executive is composed of elected volunteers. This executive works on your behalf to ensure that History and Social Science courses receive the prominence they deserve and the public expects. The executive continuously works to design and organize workshops and regional conferences that expand upon the teaching skills that will sustain and promote excellence in the teaching of our discipline.

On November 9th & 10th 2007 our annual conference was held near the Toronto International Airport. Many of the workshops presented at the conference were designed to assist teachers with skills building lessons and strategies for the interactive classroom. The feedback from the participants who attended the conference was excellent and clearly indicated that the workshops reflected the areas of professional growth that the teachers in attendance were looking for. Guest speakers Professor Peter Seixas (University of B.C.), The Honourable Roy McMurtry (Chief Justice of Ontario) and Gary Clement (The National Post) challenged the audience with interesting and fresh perspectives regarding Historical Consciousness : Critical Thinking & the Law. Over and above the presentations the conference also provided the participants with excellent opportunities for the experienced and inexperienced History and Social Science teachers to get together in formal, informal and casual settings to exchange ideas and lessons.

For O.H.A.S.S.T.A. to exist and be involved in all these efforts we must be supported by your membership. Although this is a non-profit, voluntary, teacher run association, it does not run for free. Membership in OHASSTA for 2007-2008 is just $40.00. In return for that fee you will receive 3 editions of our professional journal, Rapport. This journal is written for and by current teachers and it provides you with excellent materials and classroom perspectives from a variety of perspectives. You will also receive first notice of our conference agenda and first registration privileges (ensures you are not locked out due to over enrolment). Most importantly your membership will add to the executive’s voice when they attend meetings with the Ministry of Education.