Daniela discovered that teaching was her true calling in 1998 during a gap year from her Bachelor of Environmental Studies at York University while teaching English to adults in Santiago, Chile. From 2006 to 2025, she taught Environmental Science, History, Geography, ESL, Civics, Careers and Social Science with the TDSB, first at A.Y. Jackson S.S. followed by Central Technical School, George Harvey C.I., Virtual School, York Memorial C.I., C.W. Jefferys C.I., and Greenwood S.S. This variety of worksites has given her a variety of perspectives.

Her OSSTF participation has included Branch Staffing Committee Member, Picket Captain, Communications and Political Action Committee Member, Collective Bargaining Committee Member, PRIDE Committee Member, and AMPA delegate/representative.  

Her advocacy for quality public education has expanded to issues outside the classroom that affect her students and their communities. For that reason, she has joined initiatives like $15 and Fairness and joined forces with organizations such as Migrant Workers Alliance for Change and Justice for Children and Youth. Her passion for member support and protection developed through her roles as Branch Health and Safety Representative, Vice President and President. 

Daniela is committed to continuing that advocacy, collaboration and member support in her new role of Executive Officer.

Email: dmendez@osstftoronto.ca
Phone: (416) 393-8900 ext. 241

Responsibilities

• Grievances

Schools

• Alternative Programs, Caring & Safe Schools
• Danforth C. T. I.
• David and Mary Thomson C. I.
• Etobicoke C. I.
• Georges Vanier S. S.
• Harbord C. I.
• Jarvis C. I.
• Lester B. Pearson C. I.

• Native Learning Centre East
• Newtonbrook S.S.
• Oakwood C.I.
• Runnymede C.I.
• Sir Wilfrid Laurier C.I.
• Victoria Park C.I.
• West Hill C.I.