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Contents

Welcome to your January/February issue of The Teacher. Happy new year to all our members.

This time last year I wrote “teaching is a rewarding career, but it has never been more challenging”. I can’t help but think the same applies this year. In this issue we address many of the testing issues that affect your working life. Some are summarised on page 15.

On pages 26 and 27 we look at becoming more active in the NUT, and how this can help you protect your terms and conditions at work.

One of our most important campaigns for 2013 will be challenging the EBC. Find out more on page 29.

If you are considering retiring, read pages 36 and 37 which look at how phased retirement works.

Write to our letters page to let us have your thoughts on this issue.

Christine Blower

 General Secretary

12 Acting for education

 After three months the joint NUT/NASUWT campaign is bearing fruit. Read success stories from around the country.

15 Together into 2013

The challenges we face in the year ahead will require us to act together to protect education, warns Christine Blower.

20 Sign the EBacc petition now!

 The Union is calling on the Government to rethink its plans for English baccalaureate certificates.

25 Calming influence

 Mike McKeon describes his work as a behaviour support adviser.

26 Volunteer for the NUT!

 Three members talk about their involvement with the Union.

29 Be part of something great

Members talk to Janey Hulme about their experience of the NUT women’s development course.

33 Free schools free-for-all 

Free schools are undemocratic and wasteful, taking public money without public accountability, reports Celia Dignan.

34 Academic question

Sandra Bennett outlines how working in an academy can affect your pay and conditions.

36 Easy does it 

Phased retirement helps the transition between the worlds of work and non-work. Nick Kirby explains.

43 Teacher of the Year 

NUT member Nathan Kemp talks about winning the award.

50 You are part of the solution 

Ken Loach urges teachers to recognise that the problems their students face are political and require a political solution.

04 Upfront

11 International

16 Your Union

22 Ask the Union

30 Teachnology

38 Reviews

41 Noticeboard

44 Staffroom confidential

46 Letters

President: Marilyn Harrop

General Secretary: Christine Blower

Deputy General Secretary: Kevin Courtney

Editor: Dorota Brockbank/ Elyssa Campbell-Barr

Journalist: Janey Hulme

Administration: Maryam Hulme

Editorial support: Peta Lunberg

Design templates: Home

Newsdesk t 020 7380 4708 f 020 7387 8458 e teacher@nut.org.uk

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e jonathan@centuryone publishing.ltd.uk

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