Inspiration at Griffith conference

The Beginning Teachers Conference at Griffith revealed confronting stories about being a new teacher, writes JOHN DIXON.

The weekend of July 31 saw the fourth of the two-day conferences the Federation has run for beginning teachers this year as part of the Federation's overall recruitment and activism strategy.

The course saw new teachers from the Riverina and Central West discuss issues such as induction, probation, school based issues and support, as well as how to participate in school and association structures within Federation.

Specialist Officers of the Federation, local Organisers and three members of the Federation's New Activist Network Program, Michelle McCormack, Nicole Calnan and Brett Bertalli attended. Teacher mentors, Teachers Federation Health's Brendon Smyth, DET New Teacher Development relieving manager Fiona Conroy, and local principals Jenny Hill and John Ferguson also attended the conference.

It was both inspiring and confronting to hear the stories of beginning teachers who are working in our rural schools. It was inspiring to hear of their enthusiasm and passion for their teaching as they try to make a difference, often in isolated and disadvantaged communities.

What was confronting was often the lack of support and resources not merely from the system but sometimes from their colleague teachers. In a number of cases this was open exploitation of individuals new to the profession. Some of the matters were serious breaches of the award, DET memorandums and policy, and even the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Beginning teachers were given the information and the tools to take these matters up within their schools, discuss them with their colleagues and, if necessary, consult their local Federation Organisers.

It's worth remembering that when speaking about new or beginning teachers we are not merely speaking about young teachers. There are now large numbers of new teachers who come to the job with considerable experience in other occupations. While many of their needs for support and assistance are the same as for young teachers, some need a different level of assistance when making the transition from one career to another. In some areas these teachers often bring a level of experience surpassing experienced teachers. For instance, a number of the Griffith course participants had formerly worked in the heavy manufacturing area and were very well versed in Occupational Health and Safety Act provisions and how to use these provisions in the workplace.

Like all good conferences and union activities it's the non-formal sessions like the meals and the conference dinner where a good deal of conversation and congeniality occurs. This Beginning Teachers Conference was no exception, especially the trivia competition organised by Michelle McCormack and Nicole Calnan. The challenge round was particularly good entertainment involving teams having to perform a 'rock classic' and being judged on technical competence, artistic merit and, of course, the "X-factor". Despite some protests about my judging, the ultimate winners deserved their 'fabulous prizes'.

John Dixon is the Assistant General Secretary (Communications and Administration).

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