Post-Graduate Scholarships
Each year, three memorial scholarships, named for Rose Cassin, Doreen Brady, and Father J. Harold Conway, may be awarded to members for full-time post-graduate study. Each is valued at up to $10,000. If there are not enough qualified applicants for full-time studies, the money may be apportioned for part-time studies.
Two new scholarships for 2025 have been created. The Michael Ennett Memorial Scholarship, for members pursuing a post-graduate degree in language studies and the Shannon Hogan Memorial Scholarship, for members pursuing a post-graduate degree in religion, philosophy, or social justice.
The deadline for applications is April 1 of each year, for post-graduate studies undertaken in the following academic year. Click HERE for more information and to apply.
Fellowships
Two fellowships of up to $10,000 each may be available to members each year for full-time studies in religious education, and one fellowship of up to $10,000 may be available to members each year for full-time study in Labour Studies. If there are not enough qualified applicants for full-time studies, the money may be awarded for part-time studies.
The deadline for applications is April 1 of each year, for post-graduate studies undertaken in the following academic year. Click HERE for more information and to apply.
Bursaries
Each year, bursaries of up to $1,000.00 are awarded to individual members. These bursaries are named the Joan Kamps Memorial Bursaries. Members currently in the pre-degree categories who are taking undergraduate courses shall be given priority as applicants. Members who wish to pursue post-graduate studies or professional development activities as lifelong learning are also eligible.
The deadline for applications is May 1 of each year for courses taken from the summer session of that calendar year through to June 30 of the following calendar year. Click HERE for more information and to apply.
Religious Studies Fellowships
Margaret Lynch (1899-1985) Memorial Fellowship
Margaret Lynch was the first president of OECTA, and worker tirelessly for the birth and growth of the Association, stressing its Catholicity. She spent most of her teaching career in Windsor, becoming the first lay woman to hold the position of principal there.
Cecilia Rowan (1889-1976) Memorial Fellowship
The first secretary (now general secretary) of the Association, Cecilia Rowan did most of her work at home after school; the job at first was unpaid. She taught for 45 years before her retirement. With Margaret Lynch, she was a cornerstone of the Association's early years.
Michael Ennett (1960-2023) Memorial Scholarship
Born in Sarnia, Mike Ennett spent most of his teaching career at St. Michael’s High School in Stratford and as the local Unit President of the Huron-Perth Secondary Unit, where he provided advocacy, support, and leadership to his members. In 2015, Mike accepted a position as a Staff Officer in the Bargaining and Contract Services department at the OECTA Provincial Office, where he applied his passion for linguistics and attention to detail to negotiate collective agreements and support Unit Presidents and OECTA members across the province. Mike was brilliant, kind, and charismatic. The sentiments of admiration for Mike’s dedication, sincerity, intelligence, kindness, and humour left a profound impact on many and an imprint on the Association.
Shannon Hogan (1955-2023) Memorial Scholarship
Shannon Hogan possessed the heart and soul of a teacher long before her career in education began in 1981 with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), teaching English and Theology. Shannon held many roles throughout her career. Notably, in 2006, Shannon joined the OECTA Provincial Office, where she served as a Staff Officer in the Professional Development department before joining the work of the Counselling and Member Services department, where her specialist qualifications in Religious Education and Guidance Counselling greatly assisted her efforts to support members throughout the province. Shannon was a gifted storyteller whose insight into the Church and its people served as a shepherd for the Association through many conflicting situations, providing a foundation of spiritual leadership and guidance that continues to reside in our hearts and minds, and the fabric of our Association.
Labour Studies Fellowship
Mary C. Babcock (1907- 2002) Fellowship
The third person to serve as OECTA's general secretary, Mary Babcock lobbied tirelessly to keep Ontario's Bishops, the trustees, the Association, and then-education minister William Davis co-operating to improve in-service programs and also improve training in the teachers' colleges for Catholic teachers. She was an OTF Fellow and an OECTA Life Member.
Rose M. Cassin (1904-1968) Memorial Scholarship
Rose Cassin taught in Fort Frances and Toronto before joining the Associations provincial staff in 1965. An original member of the Toronto Separate School Teachers' Association, she was also provincial treasurer and second vice-president. After her unexpected death three years after joining provincial office, a scholarship was created in her name.
The Reverend J.H. Conway (1911-1994) Memorial Scholarship
Father Conway was one of the first teachers at St. Patrick's College high school in Ottawa in the early 30's. His active involvement with the Association continued throughout his professional life. A tireless advocate of teachers' rights, Father Conway was determined to improve the lot of women teachers. He served as president of the Association, of OTF, and CTF.
Doreen Brady (1935-1982) Memorial Scholarship
Doreen Brady was the first full-time woman president of the Association, from 1978 to 1980. During her years as an elementary teacher, and later principal in Ottawa, she devoted herself to her local unit and to the provincial body, where she was known as "the conscience of the Executive." Doreen also served on the OTF Board of Governors, on the original QECO committee, and later became an OTF Fellow.