Why did you first become active in the NUT?

The first thing I did when I started my PGCE was join the NUT. I contacted the local union to find out more about the campaigns they were running and before I knew it I was the student officer at university.

What roles do you currently hold?

I am the school rep, the local equalities officer and a member of the gender advisory committee.

What does the equalities officer role involve?

As equalities officer I ensure that there is an equality perspective in all the campaigns we lead locally. I negotiate on equality issues with Coventry Local Authority and support members through casework. I have recently set up a Midlands Region women’s network, which is very exciting.

What are the best aspects of the role?

Those special moments when you are able to win or negotiate a change that will improve members’ working conditions.

What are the worst?

Balancing teaching, working for the Union, and home life. There are never enough hours in the day!

Who has inspired you?

Many brilliant women have inspired me, particularly feminist writers including Mary Wollstonecraft, Maya Angelou and Alexandra Kollontai. I am also supported by some incredibly inspirational women in the Union.

What changes would you like to see?

I am concerned about age discrimination. I have seen too many older teachers face bullying in the workplace through capability and sickness absence procedures.

100 years ago

The Schoolmaster, December 14, 1912

News and Comments
More Playgrounds Wanted

The need for more and better playing fields for the children of elementary schools is one of the points upon which emphasis is laid in the report of a Departmental Committee inquiring into the subject. 

A contrast is drawn between the secondary schools which have playing fields large enough to provide daily health-giving recreation for the whole school, with every possible appliance, special supervision and training, and the elementary school, which has not always even a confined tar-paved space. 

The Committee recommended that no new schools be built without adequate provision for playgrounds.