I think it is safe to say that we can put winter behind us... well, maybe. And one could argue with the relatively mild winter we had that it was never in front of us to put behind. One of the clear indications to me that spring is here has been my reaction to the tree pollens and all that brings (the other sure signs is that Tax submission deadline has passed and the Toronto Maple Leafs are golfing!). That being said, it is one of my favourite times of the year... tree pollens aside. To see the renewal that takes place can be spectacular. It is also interesting to watch people on those first few glorious days as patios open, when people are shedding their winter coats and seem to have, strangely enough, a new 'spring' in their step. It is also a time when we get after all those things we have put off over the winter.

Spring Cleaning

One of the first things is to take care of some stuff that needs 'sprucing up'.  It could be your garden or lawn, the windows; it could be your closet or wardrobe. It is a time when we take stock of things and make the necessary changes (cleaning up, throwing out, etc.). It's an inventory list of things to do.

Spring Awakening

All of us have different signals to just what is spring, but I do believe we all share in the delight of what this season brings. It gives us a sense of hope and renewal (although for some in the education world this spring may bring a little more trepidation than hope).

Where is all this going you might ask... and that's a good question! I think we spend lots of time taking care of the people and the things around us but far too often we don't look after ourselves. I'm not saying that we don't all try a little more exercising or a little less food at times, but we really don't spend a whole lot of time on our mental health. One of the great new tools we've been able to add to our District Disability Insurance Members is the online assessment tool FeelingBetterNow®. It's a self-assessment tool for your mental health (there is a link to the site and more info at the top of this page in the News column). I'd encourage all of our District Members to go and check it out and take stock. Make it a part of your Spring Awareness.

   -Doug Baker
President & CEO, Teachers Life

Feeling Better Now

Teachers Life has a new fraternal benefit.  FeelingBetterNow® is an anonymous, web-based mental health care program designed to assist members with a District LTD Plan and their families in the prevention, early diagnosis and ongoing management of common emotional and mental health issues. 

If you would like to read the online brochure click here.

2012 Scholarship and Bursary Applications

J.F. Allen Scholarship and Bursary applications are available online to members.  Children and grandchildren of members who are graduating from high school in 2012  may apply for both awards but may only be awarded one. 
Submission deadline is March 31st, 2012.

2012 Hall & Hall Education Awards

Hall & Hall Education Awards are available online to members.  Two awards are granted annually to either a child, grandchild or spouse of a member.  One to a student entering their final year of concurrent education, the other award to a student entering Teachers College in 2012. 
Submission deadline is May 31st, 2012.

For award details and to download or print applications please login to Members Online.  (Click on FORMS, applications are found under the Benefits title.) 

CAREpath

Teachers Life has partnered with CAREpath to provide a specialized cancer assistance program to our Members with a District LTD Plan.
Click here to find out more.