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Your Union
NUT/COUNTDOWN WRITING COMPETITION
Remember that trip?
Most teachers have memories of school trips in which they have taken part – maybe fond ones, or maybe ones that bring you out in a cold sweat. Either way, The Teacher wants to hear them. Simply send us 500 words about your memory and you could win a weekend break for two or a Kindle.
• Email your entry to teacher@nut.org.uk or send to The Teacher writing competition at NUT HQ. Deadline 9 July 2012.
Learning with the NUT
The NUT runs a range of courses for members. For free training visit www.teachers.org.uk/training or call 020 7380 4781.
For continuing professional development call 020 7380 4719/4807 or visit www.teachers.org.uk/cpd
Find free NUT ICT courses at www.teachers.org.uk/ict-skills
100 years ago
The Schoolmaster, July 27, 1912 The Women’s World
Dr Woodhouse, of Hull, is uneasy concerning the liberty that has been extended to girls. He recalled the times when a girl might go out only with her mother or a chaperone. Now they expect to be allowed to go to theatres and other places alone.
He does not think girls are so polite as their mothers were and he regrets the demise of the curtsey. We have no fault to find with politeness, but to fancy that we may revive the curtsey is to cherish a vain hope.
My role in the Union
Christopher Denson is NUT young teachers’ and education officer for Coventry division.
Why did you first become active in the union?
Four years ago, in my NQT year, our school had no NUT rep, so I put myself forward. I believe every workplace should have organised union groups.
What role do you currently hold?
I’m the young teachers’ and education officer for the Coventry division and school rep at Tile Hill Wood School in Coventry.
What does the role involve?
As young teachers’ officer I’m building the activity of young teachers across the city. As education officer, I keep up to date with changes in government education policy. The rep’s role involves negotiation, representing members and casework.
What are the best aspects of the role?
I like representing and supporting members. If I can help a member with a problem, I’m happy. I also enjoy negotiating over new policies and procedures. I am proud to have been involved in fighting academy status for our school, joining several strikes in 2011.
What are the worst?
Though I do really enjoy them, the roles take up a lot of time.
Who has inspired you?
My father was involved in the miners’ strike in 1984/5 and my grandfather was a union shop steward for many years, so I guess trade unionism is a family tradition. I’ve always admired what they did, and am glad to be able to carry on in their footsteps.
What changes would you like to see?
I would love to see much greater union activism within schools, with greater influence for teachers within their own school and local authority. Schools with strong union groups are much happier and more productive places to work in; better for teachers, better for students.
Tell us about your role – email teacher@nut.org.uk
If you are interested in becoming an NUT rep, or playing another active role in the Union, go to www.teachers.org.uk/getinvolved