Fun setting is the attraction

By Ingrid Hasler

Gosford Teachers Association has embarked on an initiative to attract new activists into the Association.

This initiative involves offering a support network for new teachers and newly appointed teachers around the Central Coast.

As the average age of teachers is increasing, it has come to light that beginning teachers can be susceptible to feelings of isolation. Federation's New Educators Network is endeavouring to reach out to these teachers by providing them with a social support network as well as professional and curriculum support.

The Central Coast New Educators Network has met twice already this year. The first gathering was at Iguana Joe's on the Gosford waterfront and the second gathering was conducted at Mingara Recreation Club. The third meeting is set to be held at Terrigal Hotel on September 27.

The venues for the gatherings will be rotated in order to provide equal access for teachers from the northern and southern ends of the Central Coast. It is envisioned that the network will meet twice per term. At each gathering a different issue or campaign will be the focus of the get-together. Officers of the union will be invited to be guest speakers when particular issues arise that directly affect or impact on teachers across the coast.

Importantly this is an opportunity for teachers to mingle with other teachers in similar circumstances and share experiences, expertise and ideas.

At the previous two meetings attendees have heard about the role of Federation and the work of the New Educators Network. They have been provided with information about the support available to beginning teachers through Beginning Teacher Conferences, as well as opportunities to attend Trade Union Training and other Federation conferences. Furthermore, they have been notified of and encouraged to become involved in the local Central Coast Your Rights at Work campaign drive. The next meeting will focus on how to become more active in your local Association and how to support the public education campaign in the lead up to the upcoming federal election.

This program, therefore, seeks to build a working relationship between the union and new members across the Central Coast. It aims towards working in partnership. While providing a social outlet and fun setting in which to meet with new friends and debrief, these gatherings also aim to empower those in attendance through providing knowledge, advice and support on a range of issues -- the predominant aim being to ensure our members that there is support around them and they do not need to feel like they are alone.

By becoming an informed, involved member of the union, those in attendance will also become aware of the importance of being an active member of the union.

If this appeals to you or if you have any further queries, then please indicate your interest in joining the Central Coast New Educators Network or ask any further questions by contacting Ingrid Hasler by email: Ingrid.hasler1@education.nsw.gov.au.

The Gosford Teachers Association looks forward to welcoming new members at the next gathering in Terrigal.

Ingrid Hasler teaches at Point Clare PS.

For further information

September 2007 contents