Uncover the key factors driving growth and employee satisfaction at the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) has quietly been a top employer for years. Now, the professional organization that supports over 13,500 teachers employed in PreK-12 schools across the province is proud to be recognized among the top employers in Canada.
The Federation once prided itself on being a small fish in a big pond, but it is on a growing spree and is preparing for the future while maintaining its core values and commitment to its members.
“Members are at the heart of everything we do at the Federation. They are the reason we exist. This has not been an easy year for teachers, but they are extremely appreciative of how Federation staff showed up each day to support teachers and public education in whatever way they could. Members are very proud of our organization and the services it provides,” says Samantha Becotte, president of STF.
Benefits and Pensions Monitor named the Federation a Top Employer for 2024, recognizing its high employee satisfaction and commitment to fostering an inclusive and thriving workplace that is among the best in Canada to work for. The dynamic culture of its workplace is no longer a best-kept secret.
“We have been on a growth trajectory for some time now, and the team is rallying to being best-in-class in everything we do,” says Troy Milnthorp, senior managing director of corporate fund services. “Staff love being part of this journey, which helps with recruitment and retention and provides an amazing service to our members.”
Buoyed by the solid foundation it has built from a smaller, more localized organization, the Federation has transformed into a larger-scale operation. Unique among its peers, STF administers teacher pension and benefits programs for all members within the umbrella of the teachers’ union.
More specifically, the Federation administers a target benefit pension plan, a health plan, an optional life insurance plan, and a self-insured long-term disability plan, along with the internal investment management of approximately $8 billion. These functions form its Corporate Fund Services work unit.
The STF’s assets are projected to grow to $12 billion within the next eight to 10 years.
Chief investment officer Alison Gould explains that the collective effort of its team drives its investment success.
“We truly value the strengths and perspectives of every team member, and we leverage the team approach to learn and grow together,” she adds.
The Federation has prioritized “right sizing” its organization as it grows, moving from relying on external consultants to bringing expertise in-house. One such example is how it has taken certain asset classes in-house where it made sense.
“Relying solely on managers can be costly; however, finding internal expertise can be challenging in today’s market. Therefore, we have had to be strategic and proactive in how we in-source assets being the size that they are. Small bites, but it is paying off,” says Milnthorp.
Building out its investment team has added significant value for the teachers, the pension plan, and the benefit plans’ beneficiaries. It’s a source of pride and joy in the Federation’s family-like culture.
“Being part of the Federation means working in an environment where your well-being is a top priority, and we’re proud to be an organization that values and invests in its people,” benefits director Shileen Pederson says. “Our employees see this, but so do our members, who are proud to be our employers.”
Several crucial developments underscore the Federation’s growth focus, including recruiting the “biggest and brightest” talent to enhance its investment, pension, and benefit teams.
Over the years, the pension and benefit programs have faced challenges as each plan matures and finds its equilibrium, explains pension director Kendra Dumont.
“Through each of these challenges, all parties have worked collaboratively to find a solution that works for teachers and will serve them well into the future,” she says.
The top employer in Canada’s benefits, pensions, and institutional investment space works together to represent and advocate on behalf of the collective, while supporting employees’ professional aspirations and needs.
All programs, services, and resources offered enhance the teachers’ well-being and success as they work diligently to ensure their students’ success.
