Teachers in Wales

From the NUT for all teachers in Wales

Issue 39 Summer term 2011

‘Slur on teachers’

Delegates to the NUT annual conference in Harrogate at Easter voted for an immediate campaign against any proposals detrimental to members’ interests that might result from the reorganisation of the Assembly’s Department of Culture, Education, Life-long Learning and Skills (DCELLS).

NUT Executive member Neil Foden said he welcomed changes that would increase the number of DCELLS employees with recent teaching experience (there are currently two in a staff of 700). But plans to ensure all teachers and heads have appropriate literacy and numeracy skills were a “slur on teachers’ professionalism”, he said, asking: “Where is the evidence that such skills are not present… in the current workforce?”

Seconding the motion, primary head Beth Davies read aloud a letter she had sent to the Wales Education Minister pointing out the problems teachers face dealing with hardship caused by socio-economic factors.

“You speak of making schools accountable for raising attendance,” she argued. “What should I put on my school register regarding a mother who could not send her child to school for two days because she couldn’t afford to buy him shoes?”

Ace recruiters!

Joint Divisional Secretaries Bernadette Thomas and Liz McClean have been building NUT membership in Denbighshire for two years – and now their work has been recognised with the Union’s prestigious Membership Development Award.

Denbighshire were overall winners. NUT General Secretary Christine Blower presented Bernadette and Liz with the award on behalf of the division at the NUT annual conference in Harrogate in April. Bernadette said: “We are over the moon to receive this award. People get involved when they need help. But to stay you need to form friendships, which we have. All NUT members are welcomed to our meetings and we also organise social events to keep people involved.”

Bernadette and Liz’s team includes membership secretary Caroline van Niekerk and President Mairwenna Lloyd who have also increased the number of NUT school reps in Denbighshire’s 71 schools. When Liz took over there were 18 reps, now there are 51.

School reps keep you up to date on NUT campaigns, and help resolve problems in your school. To find out how to become a rep, contact your division/association secretary or ring the NUT Cymru office on 029 2049 1818.

Inside… Be part of Patagonia, NUT Cymru marches for the alternative, NUT at the Urdd Eisteddfod