When you’re passionate about something, you want to announce it.
Federation members Jake Freeman-Duffy and Owen Milward have had that opportunity this semester, working as Project Officers: Recruitment and Activism.
Jakeis a fan of Federation’s advocacy for Aboriginal education, such as the union’s support for Indigenous perspectives in the curriculum and syllabuses, the hosting of Aboriginal members conferences and beginning teacher conferences including a session about how to support Aboriginal education.
“At the Aboriginal Members Conference members have shared with me how their schools implement Indigenous education and how they work with their local Aboriginal Education Consultative Committee,” he said.
Appointed as a full-time permanent teacher in 2015, Jake was in the group of teachers financially disadvantaged by the transition process from the common incremental scale to standards-based pay in 2018.
“This fuelled my passion to be more active in the Federation,” he said.
On the encouragement of his Fed Rep, Jake attended meetings of Hastings River Teachers Association, joining in discussions and local actions associated with Federation’s campaign to resolve the pay inequity.
“It lit a fire to keep trying for improvements to our salaries and conditions,” he said. “My generation needs to participate to have their voices heard.”
Jake is now Hastings River Teachers Association’s Treasurer and says the experience of working as a Project Officer for Federation has been uplifting.
“I’ve been able to meet so many different colleagues and hear their personal stories about how Federation has helped them,” he said.
“The role has given me an opportunity to see what metro. schools are like and network with more teachers.
“I’ve learnt a lot more about Federation and Departmental policies and procedures and how to resolve issues.”
Owen has been enamoured with Federation since he was exposed to his rights as a new teacher at a Beginning Teachers’Conference at Bundanoon.
“I got my first taste of what the union is all about: supportive, helpful and enlightening,” he said.
With the knowledge he gained, he achieved his entitlement to release from face-to-face teaching.
“I’ve felt whole-heartedly supported by Federation throughout my career as a beginning teacher.”
Owen suggests members attend their local association meetings as an avenue to share concerns and ideas, and to resolve problems experienced by the profession.His experience as a Project Officer has been affirming.
“I’ve seen the importance of a strong union presence in school settings,” he said. “Staff feel supported and heard and they’re happier in their jobs because they are able to communicate the needs of students and teachers.”
Are you in your first few years of teaching and keen to share your fervour for participating in Federation’s forums and campaign activities and recruit new members to your union?
Expressions of Interest for the four Project Officer: Recruitment and Activism positions available for semester 2 close on 21 May. Click here for more information.