Andrea Vanden-Tillaart – Campbellford District High School

Nominator & Protective Services Representative

Campbellford District High was fortunate to have Chris Clarke on staff for two years.  At that time, contract positions were non-existent and the cycle LTO’s, surpluses and redundancies were making teaching a difficult profession. Chris’ children were young and he had an hour plus commute one-way. Despite these challenges, Chris quickly became part of the CDHS family, charming us with his pithy observations and impressing us with his commitment to his students and well-being of CDHS.

For the last four years, Chris has served District 14 as our Vice President. He has developed strong relationships with OSSTF members, school admin and KPR senior admin. With deep knowledge of the collective agreement and board policy, Chris is thoughtful and empathetic in understanding situations but also acts quickly towards a solution. Chris knows that the smaller high schools are often the canary in the coal mine of larger issues. When CDHS raised concerns about barriers for teachers to provide out-of-classroom activities for rural students and funding gaps for extra-curricular activities, he was quick to respond. He researched the Board policy, pointed out to admin that their expectations for approval contradicted their own policy. Permission formed and extra-curricular advocacy initiated!

Chris has taught in eight of the high schools across KPR. For over a decade, Chris has been a Health and Safety Officer (He LOVES this stuff! 😊). He recognizes that healthy and happy teachers are more creative, innovative, collaborative and provide excellent educational experiences for kids. He knows the school families, the communities we serve and the buildings we work in. He understands the specific needs of each school eco-system and has a clear vision for every school and for D14.

Melissa Wotherspoon – Clarington Central Secondary School

Nominator & Union committee member

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Chris Clarke for many years from our time together at Clarington Central Secondary School, and I know that he is the leader we need. When I am uncertain about how to proceed in a situation, Chris is my go-to. His deep knowledge of health and safety protocols,  his ability to navigate policy, his exceptional listening skills, and his commitment to his union family, make him a brilliantly effective and trusted problem solver. Chris always ensures everyone, myself included, feels genuinely supported and valued. He is the ‘care’ in our ‘career’.

Join me in supporting Chris Clarke  – an effective advocate for us all.

Darcy Wight – Adam Scott Collegiate and Vocational Institute

Branch President & District Treasurer

I am proud to offer my full support for Chris Clarke in his bid to become President of OSSTF District 14 TBU. Having worked closely with Chris over the past several years in my role as Treasurer while he has served as Vice President, I can confidently say that he is an outstanding advocate for our members and a dedicated leader within our union.

Chris is a tireless worker who consistently puts the needs of our members first. He approaches every situation with care, thoughtfulness, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether it’s responding to individual member concerns or representing us at the provincial level, Chris is always present, approachable, and ready to help.

His contributions to both our local and provincial work are extensive and meaningful. Chris has a remarkable ability to navigate complex issues with clarity and compassion, always ensuring that the voices of our members are heard and respected.

I believe Chris Clarke is exactly the kind of leader we need—someone who listens, acts with integrity, and is genuinely committed to the well-being of all members. I wholeheartedly endorse him for President of OSSTF District 14.

Kristen Longley – Kenner Collegiate and Vocational Institute

Branch President

Chris Clarke is a great candidate for OSSTF District 14 TBU President.

I have had the pleasure of working with Chris over the years in his various roles such as Branch President and Vice-President in District 14. He always makes himself available to give advice and offer his support. At Kenner we have undergone some major transitions and I knew I could count on Chris to help walk our staff through it and go to bat for us. Chris has shown great dedication to serving his members and does not shy away from having tough conversations whenever needed. I feel totally confident he will do a fantastic job as D14 president.

Christina Thomas – Courtice Secondary School

Branch President and TBU Executive Member 

At Courtice Secondary School, Chris Clarke has played a critical role in guiding staff through some of the most challenging situations we’ve faced—always with a calm, solutions-focused approach. He has been instrumental in addressing issues related to student health and well-being, ensuring that concerns were heard and that appropriate supports were put in place. When concerns arose, he took the initiative to bring people together, communicate clearly with administration, and help implement fair, sustainable solutions that protected both staff and student safety.

Steve Sharpe – Thomas A Stewart Secondary School

Branch President

Chris Clarke is the first person I want to talk to and the first person I recommend my members to talk to when they have a union issue here at TASSS. He is calm, knowledgeable and thoughtful in his responses and members respect that about him. I fully endorse him for TBU President.

Jake McNeil – Norwood District Secondary School

Branch President

I am writing to offer my enthusiastic endorsement of Chris Clarke as a candidate for the role of Union President.

In his previous position focusing on Health and Safety, Chris consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by those working in education. He brought clarity, compassion, and commitment to every situation—ensuring that the physical and emotional wellbeing of staff remained a top priority. His knowledge in this area was extensive, his approach was effective, and his passion for advocacy was evident in every interaction.

One of his most admirable qualities is his unwavering willingness to support colleagues at a moment’s notice. Whether responding to emerging concerns or guiding others through complex procedures, he has always been approachable, dependable, and solutions-oriented when it comes to supporting Norwood. He understands the demands placed on educators and has continuously worked to ensure our voices are heard and our working conditions are respected.

With a clear vision, a strong sense of fairness, and a demonstrated commitment to the values of our profession, he is exceptionally well-suited to lead our union. I am confident that, as President, he will continue to be a strong, informed, and compassionate advocate for all members.

Thano Adam & Brent Marshall – East Northumberland Secondary School

Branch President and PSC Rep

We are excited to support Chris Clarke is his bid to become D14 TBU President. Chris spent some early years of his career here at ENSS, and he has continued to be a strong supporter of the staff here long after his departure.  He has a strong understanding of staff and their needs, and more importantly a strong voice to make sure we continue to be heard.  We would strongly encourage you to support Chris as well.

Tessa Martin – Crestwood Secondary School

PSC Union Rep

Chris is a strong advocate for OSSTF members. He has always been very helpful when I have contacted him to support the members of Crestwood. He is consistently timely with his responses, and he does as much as he can to bring about positive change with every concern. He’s approachable, kind and understanding. Chris has extensive experience working with the board office and superintendents, and he also has experience working collaboratively with many other union organizations. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. I fully endorse him for his run for President.

Mark Loster – Clarke High School

PSC Union Rep

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with Chris as CBC/PSC representative, health and safety representative and staffing team member for Clarke High School.  Chris has always been highly approachable and easy to reach whenever I needed information to support members in the school, answer health and safety related questions or an opportunity to vent about the unique staffing challenges at Clarke high school.  He listens with a non-judgmental ear and offers useful suggestions to help resolve the issue.  Staffing is particularly complicated in a small school and questionable decisions by administration often needed support from the district office, and Chris in particular, to wrangle into a more reasonable option.  

Chris also takes the initiative to follow up on matters after the initial inquiry, providing the sense that we are team, that the district office has your back, and is there to support members in the school.

In closing, I strongly support Chris’ candidacy for president.

Melanie Parkin – Northumberland Centre for Individual Studies

Branch President

It is my pleasure to endorse Chris Clarke for TBU president! We in D14 have been lucky to have Chris as a leader through these challenging times and I believe he is a great choice for TBU president as we transition into our new chapter.  Chris is a hard worker who always puts in the time and does it with passion and commitment.  I know I can always count on Chris to answer the call whether I am working with Chris on D14 work or reaching out for help as an alternative education teacher, Chris always does everything he can to help. We need an experienced leader to steer us into our future and with Chris’ work with various past presidents and experience at the provincial level,  I think Chris is the right person for the job.

Diane Caruso – Clarington Centre for Individual Studies

PSC Rep and former Branch President

When our school sustained structural damage recently, Chris was instrumental in facilitating dialogue between all parties to ensure the physical well being of staff and the need for timely solutions to reclaim our lost teaching space.  Chris has also been prompt in response to student incidents directed at staff, prioritizing concern and support for the well-being of members.  His knowledge and guidance in reporting these matters, as well as suggestions for next steps, are much appreciated in these stressful circumstances. Chris understands the work of alternative campuses and has my endorsement for President.

Kelly Sims – PACE @ PCVS

SERT

Chris has always been a supportive listener who never gave the generic answer that could be looked up in a pamphlet or on the internet. Chris has supported both his colleagues, as a teacher, and his union members, providing key advice and offering logical solutions. I have greatly appreciated Chris’ advice and support throughout the many years I have known him. I highly recommend voting Chris for TBU president!

Kim Aiello – Port Hope High School

PSC Union Rep

Chris Clarke has consistently demonstrated dedication and accessibility in his roles as Health and Safety Officer and Vice President, especially to the members at Port Hope High School. His commitment to listening, advocating, and acting on behalf of members has made him a trusted and approachable leader. Chris brings a strong voice, a clear understanding of members’ needs, and a passion for fairness and transparency. As union president, he will continue to put members first, ensure their concerns are heard, and work tirelessly to protect their rights and improve working conditions for all.

Marilyn Robitaille – Board Office Consultant

Former Branch President & Member of Provinical OSSTF Councils

Chris is a strong OSSTF leader. He leads with empathy and understanding. Chris advocates for what is best for members and for our system as a whole. Chris leads by example and always supports members in equitable and inclusive ways. He has experience in a variety of areas including Health and Safety, years as our VP, and has attended AMPA to represent D14 members at the Provincial level. When I was a Branch President, Chris actively listened and understood the needs of my work site. Chris is an excellent representative for our district at the Board level. He is able to have effective conversations with decision makers at the senior level. I endorse Chris Clarke as President for D14 and know he will do the best job to represent our members and fight for the best working environment for our schools.