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Press Release

'Quiet revolution' call to newly qualified teachers

22 November 2011

Newly qualified teachers have shown their support for the NASUWT's 'quiet revolution to reclaim the classroom'.

The Union's industrial action campaign to defend teachers' statutory provisions and protect educational standards was endorsed by delegates attending an NASUWT seminar for newly qualified teachers.

Taking action is not selfish or self interested, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, told members at the event in Birmingham, but is about maintaining and safeguarding working conditions which enable teachers to focus on teaching and learning.

“The action planned by the NASUWT is not about disrupting the education of children and young people, it is about standing up for standards and removing from teachers those tasks which are preventing them focusing on their core role” she said.

Acknowledging that some NQTs may feel nervous about what for most will be their first experience of industrial action, Ms Keates urged them to stand up to protect their status as skilled and qualified professionals.

“You will be asking no more than your contractual entitlements” she said. “Those are provided with very good reason. As NQTs you need such provisions to enable you to become confident professionals. The best schools recognise the benefits of supporting new teachers and recognise they need working conditions which enable them to gain appropriate experience.”

The action is in response to comprehensive surveying of members over the last 18 months which shows that workload is spiraling, job satisfaction is declining and monitoring of teachers is becoming excessive.

Many members at the seminar reported that they were unable to find a permanent post in which to complete their induction year, with many having to resort to supply work. Others are being employed on temporary contracts.

This undermines the ability of new teachers to make a supported and confident start to their teaching careers, Ms Keates told delegates, and is the consequence of the Coalition Government's savage programme of cuts to public services and its attack on the professionalism and status of teachers.

“Teaching is a wonderful job and it is because the NASUWT is so passionate about teaching and education that we want the workforce to have pay and conditions that will enable them to raise standards of education.

“As people who are coming into the profession with enthusiasm and energy, we hope that on the 1st of December you will be standing up for standards of education in this country.”



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