This picture shows the group that gathered at Stratford City Hall on April 9th, 2026 to listen to Stratford’s Mayor Ritsma declare the day as “ Retired Women Teachers Day”. Stratford was one of the 9 groups of Retired Women Teachers in Ontario who first joined together 70 years ago to advocate for better pensions and benefits.
Today there are 46 groups throughout the province that continue to Care and Share for the rights of Retired Women Educators.
Dean Robinson from the Stratford Historical Society was one of the speakers who shared the story of the Stratford’s Normal School, the place where teacher education began in Southwestern Ontario. Several retired teachers who attended the Normal School also shared stories.
– Cheryl Strickland
To learn more about the provincial group visit rwto.org.
