Last Update: September 2024

2024-2025 BWDSB Switch Day Calendar and PA Days

What Are Switch Days and How Do They Affect My LTO Pay?

The Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) uses "switch days" rather than the 5-day cycle system used by neighbouring school boards.

LTOs (Long-Term Occasional Teachers) are paid each day based on their FTE (Full-Time Equivalent). For example, if you are a 0.2 LTO working only on Tuesdays, you will receive 0.2 pay each day throughout the week, including PA Days but excluding statutory holidays. On weeks with a statutory holiday, you will receive only 0.8 for the week. Over time, this evens out due to "switch days." At some point, a Tuesday might be scheduled like a Monday or Friday. During such a week, you would not work, but you would still receive 0.2 pay each day of that week.

In an LTO, it's essential to be aware of switch days to ensure you attend school on the correct days, follow the correct supervision schedule, and leave the appropriate day plans in your absence.

Exception: If your LTO is covering a part-time medical leave for a contract teacher, switch days do not apply. For example, if the teacher you are replacing has an accommodation requiring them to have Fridays off, you will always work Fridays. This may lead to adjustments in the classes you see, particularly if you are in a preparation time-generating LTO. Since switch days do not apply, your payment may need adjustment at the end. Check with your Administrator to confirm whether switch days apply to your assignment.

How Do Professional Activity Days Work During an LTO Assignment?

Full-time LTOs are required to attend all Professional Activity (PA) Days. For part-time LTOs, you can combine your required PA Days to attend fewer days for longer periods. To determine how many PA Days you are required to attend, multiply the size of your LTO by the number of PA Days in your assignment.

Example Calculation: If you are in a 0.4 LTO from September to the end of December, which includes 3 PA Days, you are expected to attend 0.4 X 3 = 1.2 PA Days. You can attend one full PA Day (1.0) and a portion of another PA Day (0.2), or split your attendance into other combinations that best suit you, such as attending 0.6 on one PA Day and 0.6 on another.

It is recommended to prioritize PA Days dedicated to parent interviews and report card writing if they fall within your assignment period. Contact your Administrator to inform them of the PA Days you intend to attend based on what will benefit you the most.

What About PA Days for Daily OTs?
Our Collective Agreement allows Daily OTs to access Board professional learning on a voluntary basis without pay if space permits (CA Clause 18.02).