Are you under 35?

By Jenny Moes

G'day, my name is Jenny Moes and I am an Anna Stewart project officer in term 4.

I am working on a project that fits within the Federation campaign of recruitment and retention.

My project specifically looks at teachers aged between 20 and 35.

As a member of that generation, I am concerned about our lack of political and collectivist experience.

We have grown up under two supposedly stable governments (Hawke/Keating and Howard) and have had limited social upheaval in our lives.

We have been socialised to sit the selective skills tests, been identified as future Olympians and had our individuality promoted, possibly at the expense of collectivism and community.

If these perceptions are accurate, where does that leave us in the future?

Will we be able to successfully campaign against Howard's industrial relations attacks? Do we really care?

As we begin to hold responsible and authoritative positions in our schools, what will our legacy be to the many young teachers who will be entering the system in the near future?

I would love to hear your views on the topic and any other opinions you have about activism and the current campaign around changes to industrial relations law.

You can contact me at annast@nswtf.org.au.

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