WELCOME TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION

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2 WELCOME TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION Teaching is a rewarding career. It is both challenging and demanding. There will be times when you feel exhausted, but these will be surpassed by moments of elation and satisfaction when pupils achieve far beyond their expectations due to your dedication, commitment and encouragement. There has never been a more important time for student teachers to be a member of the NASUWT, the largest teachers union in Northern Ireland. The NASUWT is the teachers union standing up for standards in education and campaigning for the protection of teachers pay, pensions, conditions of service and job security in Northern Ireland. Teachers pay and conditions of service are inextricably linked to providing high standards of education for all children and young people. By putting teachers first, the Union provides the support teachers need so that they can focus on the children and young people they teach. Student teacher members of the NASUWT are entitled to a wide range of free services and the Union provides the essential free legal and professional cover every student teacher needs. The NASUWT hopes that you will choose to enhance your training by taking up the offer of free student membership. This will provide the peace of mind that you have joined the largest and leading teachers union in Northern Ireland. The NASUWT looks forward to supporting you at the beginning of and throughout your career. Best wishes. General Secretary, NASUWT 86

3 WELCOME TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION Message from Megan Dunn, National President Welcome to teacher training! As a student represented by the NUS, you will have access to a variety of services and facilities available to all students. However, as a trainee teacher there is an additional, vitally important service that is exclusively available to you as an initial teacher training (ITT) student. I would like to take this opportunity to give you a brief overview of what we can offer you. The NASUWT/NUS ITT Student Service is a joint service that was established to address concerns within both organisations that ITT students were being sent into schools without the legal and professional protection that is essential when working with children. We were also concerned that ITT students were not always being afforded the opportunity to display their talents whilst on teaching practice. The NASUWT/NUS ITT Student Service negotiates solutions to ITT students problems and gives advice and practical help on issues arising from teaching practice. The service is free to all ITT members of the NUS and offers the legal and professional resources of the NASUWT, the largest teachers union in Northern Ireland. As well as providing this service, the NUS works closely together with the NASUWT on a broad range of issues to improve the lives of students. We know too that ITT students face unique challenges as both teachers and students and it is only by both bodies working together that we can achieve effective change. As students and as teachers you have an opportunity to contribute to your communities beyond the workplace and I hope that, as well as supporting you in your work and studies, the NUS and the NASUWT can help you to be active in making the changes to society you want to see. Megan Dunn National President, NUS 87

4 NASUWT/NUS INITIAL TEACHER TRAINING STUDENT SERVICE The NASUWT has joined together with the National Union of Students (NUS) to provide a unique joint service for all initial teacher training (ITT) students. No other teachers union offers such an allencompassing service to its student members. The NASUWT/NUS ITT Student Service gives you: a network of regional caseworkers experienced in dealing with student teacher issues; NASUWT legal cover appropriate to teacher training placements; students union representation in academic hearings; general advice and information on issues relevant to student teachers. By offering a joint service, teaching students receive the best service available while studying with their ITT provider and while on placement in school. The NASUWT/NUS ITT Student Service has been extremely successful in negotiating solutions to student members problems and in ensuring a fair deal on their behalf. It also provides advice and practical help regarding: relationship issues that may arise with your mentor in school, tutors in college and other students; financial concerns, financial incentive schemes, student support and student loans; professional standards; unfair treatment and harassment on teaching placement or in college; academic appeals, disciplinary and complaints procedures; changing course, deferral or withdrawal from course issues. Whatever the issue, the NASUWT/NUS ITT Student Service is equipped to help. Simply contact the NASUWT Northern Ireland Centre. 88

5 OUR OFFER FOR NEW TEACHERS FREE PREPARATORY SEMINARS FREE SEMINARS In addition to the comprehensive package of advice, guidance and professional services, the NASUWT provides free seminars for newly qualified teachers who are about to start their first teaching post. These seminars provide interactive and informative sessions to: n inform new teachers about their key rights and what to expect during their first year of induction; n provide ideas about how to deal with the first day in the classroom; n build skills and knowledge around behaviour management in the classroom. The seminars take place during August and are free to any new teachers who join the NASUWT. Early booking is recommended as places are highly sought-after and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. DON T MISS OUT Register your interest in the seminars now. n Website: n Contact: n conferencesandevents@mail.nasuwt.org.uk. Join the NASUWT ATTEND THE SEMINAR Quick and easy. No hassle. Online: or tel:

6 OUR OFFER TO YOU COUNSELLING, DEBT AND LEGAL ADVICE The NASUWT understands that members may need additional confidential support and advice in specialist areas. In order to provide this advice, the NASUWT supports several organisations to provide the following services to members: 24-hour stress counselling service: Teacher Support Line FREE debt advice: Payplan NASUWT free legal advice line NASUWT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES First Appointments Lecture Tour The NASUWT organises this highly commended lecture tour that focuses on finding your first teaching post and includes the identification of suitable vacancies, preparing an application, interview techniques and how to achieve finding that first teaching job. Other Student Lecture Services The NASUWT provides a professional input into initial teacher training courses at universities through lectures and presentations, addressing issues such as the legal and contractual issues in teaching, e-safety and social networking and also issues relating to the impact of equalities legislation on classroom practice. These lectures are extremely well received by postgraduate and undergraduate students as they often provide information not covered on the course. INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS Keeping all members informed about what the NASUWT is doing for them is vital. The NASUWT s website ensures that members have the latest NASUWT news or advice on educational and workplace issues. 90

7 OUR OFFER TO YOU The NASUWT also produces invaluable policy and practical advice and guidance documents on many issues affecting teachers and education. NASUWT student members have access to the following publications: a copy of Teaching Today, the NASUWT journal, which is published at least five times a year and sent to your home; a variety of NASUWT educational publications, covering a wide range of topical and practical issues, some of which can be useful source material. All NASUWT final-year student members receive advice and guidance on: Starting Out a quick guide for all new teachers, covering everything you need to know about your first teaching posts; Finding Your First Teaching Post a detailed web resource including advice and information on applications and interviews and other hints and tips to secure your first post; Induction Planner practical guidance for beginning teachers to take you through your induction period with top tips and questions to reflect upon your professional practice. CONFERENCES AND EVENTS Each year, the NASUWT runs a comprehensive programme of conferences, events and professional development seminars for teachers and student teachers. Equality Conferences The NASUWT is at the forefront of formulating policy on all equality issues relevant to teachers in the workplace and education in general. The NASUWT holds a number of annual equality consultation conferences, free to all members. These conferences are an opportunity to hear expert speakers, engage in professional development and inform and influence Union policy. Check the NASUWT website for all forthcoming events. 91

8 OUR OFFER TO YOU BENEFITS AND SERVICES Members of the NASUWT can take advantage of the wide range of offers, discounts, benefits and services available from nearly 150 different companies. In addition to the financial and insurance services from long-term partner companies such as Wesleyan for Teachers and Endsleigh, the Benefits and Services website at (password p2015) gives you access to savings from a complete range of lifestyle benefits that should enable you to recover each year the cost of your NASUWT subscription. Look out for the monthly Benefits and Services ezine that is sent to all members who have supplied the Union with their address. If you are not receiving the ezine, simply call and supply your address or your membership number to membership@mail.nasuwt.org.uk. 92

9 OUR OFFER TO YOU Please note that the following service providers have earned NASUWT Approved Status and are recommended for the products indicated. Endsleigh Motor, home and travel insurance Wesleyan for Teachers financial planning service Pensions, protection, investments, savings, mortgages and personal loans UIA Home, travel and pet insurance

10 OUR OFFER TO YOU OTHER SERVICES Non-employment-related Issues NASUWT members have access to a number of legal services: 30 minutes FREE non-employment legal advice; non-employment personal injury claims for members and their dependants; hassle-free conveyancing; FREE will writing. NASUWT members can access the above services by telephoning FREE Personal Accident Cover The NASUWT provides free personal accident cover in the event that a member suffers a fatal injury or loss of limbs or eyes due to an accident at work. Cover includes accidents incurred whilst travelling to and from work. FREE Insurance Cover for Cash and Personal Belongings The NASUWT provides free insurance cover for cash and personal belongings stolen from school or lost through fire. Cover includes losses incurred whilst on official school visits. Members completing the payment of their subscription by 31 January each year or, alternatively, who pay their subscription by direct debit, benefit from increased levels of insurance cover. FREE Malicious Damage Car Insurance The NASUWT provides free insurance cover in the event that members cars are subject to malicious damage whilst on school premises. This cover is only available to members who complete the payment of their subscription by 31 January each year or, alternatively, who pay their subscription by direct debit. For further details of the free insurance cover, call or go to 94

11 TIPS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE PLACEMENT preparing for your placement Teaching practice is an integral part of your training to become a qualified teacher and is an essential part of developing the skills necessary to demonstrate that you have reached the standards required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This advice is designed to support you on your placement. Practicalities There should be provision made for you to acquaint yourself with the school setting in which you will be undertaking your teaching practice placement(s). The information you will need to gather as part of these visits will range from practical to professional. Familiarising yourself with the local area in which your school is situated will provide an understanding of the local community and issues that the community may face. Understanding the age, ability range and any additional educational needs (AEN) of the pupils you will work with, their recent classroom activities and the relevant aspects of the curriculum that you are expected to cover, will set the work you do in context. Understanding the physical environment in which you are to be working, the technical equipment you will need, what materials are available to you and the process for obtaining these materials, will ensure that you adapt your teaching accordingly. Assessment Process Before starting your placement, make sure that the arrangements for your assessment are clear. You will need to understand how the school intends to assess you, how your tutors expect to be involved and what is expected of you. Are you expected to keep a placement record of some kind? If so, what form does this take? What would you find useful? Make sure that you record your experiences positive and negative so that you can learn from each placement throughout your course. Make sure you know from the outset who to go to for help if things do not go so well. 95

12 TIPS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE PLACEMENT preparing for your placement Support Arrangements You will have three main sources of support whilst on placement: your school, your tutors and the NASUWT. It is also a good idea to contact the NASUWT upon starting any placement, who will be pleased to provide advice and support. Never be afraid to ask for advice from any source. Your mentor or class/subject teacher will probably be your first port of call for all matters relating to the teaching placement itself, such as curriculum issues, classroom-behaviour issues, or issues with the pupils in terms of abilities. If there are issues with the support that you are receiving or you have any concerns at all, contact the NASUWT. It is always worth raising issues as soon as you identify them. Ignoring them does not guarantee that they will go away. Delay in dealing with them may leave you less time on your placement to resolve them. School Policies All schools have a range of policies covering different areas of pupils education. It is important that you are familiar with these policies. If they are not offered to you at the outset of the placement, it is in your interest to ask for them. Key policies that you should be aware of are listed below: health and safety; behaviour management; child protection; equal opportunities; anti-bullying. 96

13 TIPS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE PLACEMENT planning and assessment Lesson Planning The work you have done on your training course should have given you an insight into the main issues around lesson planning, including its purpose and its use. Schools vary in how they expect lesson plans to be completed. Make sure that you know what is expected of you. It may be that in your early teaching career you need more detailed planning than later on. However, if you feel that you are being asked to plan in a way that creates unnecessary burdens and does not aid teaching and learning, it is important that you raise your concerns with your colleagues or your tutors. Pupil Assessment On your training course, you will have been introduced to the different types of pupil assessment. As part of your teaching placements, you will be expected to develop your skills in pupil assessment. It is important that you are aware of the policies or systems in place in the school for pupil assessment. Initially, you may be expected to observe other teachers assessing pupils. However, you will soon be expected to undertake formative assessment and will have to undertake summative assessment by your final teaching placement in line with the school s practices. Speak to your tutors or colleagues if you are uncertain about the expectations on you in terms of pupil assessment. Observation Supportive and developmental lesson observation is an important part of enhancing classroom practice. Lesson observation may be used for a number of purposes. Observing others, rather than just being observed, is a valuable developmental activity. As part of the whole programme of study you are undertaking, you will be assessed on your classroom performance once you are on teaching placement. Your tutors need to be assured that you can operate safely and effectively in the classroom. Speak to your tutors or colleagues if you are concerned about the amount of observation you are receiving. 97

14 TIPS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE PLACEMENT planning and assessment During your teaching placement, you are likely to be observed by the teacher(s) normally allocated to the class(es). Their advice at this stage will be invaluable. Always ensure that you receive focused written and oral feedback which identifies your strengths and the areas for development. During the course of your placement you should receive visits from your placement tutor(s). They will make their own observations and also talk to the class/subject teacher(s) responsible for your class(es). Your tutor may also make comments verbally or in writing as part of your placement report. Your tutor has a professional interest in helping you to demonstrate the required standard. However, the tutor also has a professional obligation to ensure that you do not enter the teaching profession if you fail to perform to the required standard. During your placement you should expect to receive constructive feedback of your performance, and your tutor has a responsibility to be helpful and supportive. External Moderators It is standard practice that all aspects of your coursework are subject to external moderation. This applies equally to teaching practice placements. This is to allow comparison to be made between judgements made by tutor assessors to ensure that decisions are fair and equitable. Appeals If you are failed on your training, there is an appeal procedure. In this event contact the NASUWT via the Northern Ireland Centre. If you feel that you are having any problems on your placement or are not getting the support that you feel that you need, you should immediately get in touch with the NASUWT Northern Ireland Centre. 98

15 TIPS FOR TEACHING PRACTICE PLACEMENT behaviour management Behaviour Management A key aspect of preparing to teach is the need to think about the class or group of pupils you will be teaching, their needs and the strategies you may need to use in order to teach effectively. As a student on teaching practice, it will be necessary to grapple with these issues at an early stage and to adopt a clear approach to your teaching from the outset. You will need to establish yourself quickly as an able practitioner in the eyes of your pupils, able to gain the confidence, trust and respect needed from your pupils. From the outset, you will find it helpful to find out from the class/subject teacher(s) about the class and any particular issues or needs that should be considered when organising and delivering your teaching. For example, your class(es) may include pupils with particular emotional and behavioural difficulties who might require more intensive classroom supervision and support. In addition, each class is likely to have its own characteristics and some classes will be livelier or quieter than others. All of these factors will have implications for how you manage the classroom to ensure that the teaching and learning process is effective. The NASUWT has produced a range of guidance on managing classroom behaviour, which is for all teachers throughout their careers. Our ten top tips on behavioural management on pages are invaluable. 99

16 TEN TIPS ON BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT To help maintain discipline and good order in the classroom: Set boundaries All children and young people like order and good discipline; they know where they stand and they understand what is required of them. From the outset you need to tell them your expectations of them and also what they can expect from you. Spend some time in the first meeting with them setting out your personal behaviour policy. Develop a simple fivepoint Code of Conduct that has been negotiated with them. They will be much more likely to follow something they have had a hand in developing rather than one that has been imposed on them. This works for all ages. Use positive language Tell pupils what you do want them to do, not what you don t want them to do! The message is This is the way we behave in my classroom, not This is what you must not do. Long lists of what pupils shouldn t be doing are negative and encourage young people to break rules. The message they get is that teachers are more concerned with poor behaviour than with appropriate behaviour. The use of the word Thanks! following an instruction is much more powerful than Please. Encourage pupils when they make mistakes We all make mistakes it s how we learn. Young people are embarrassed if they get the answer wrong; they think they have to be perfect all the time. Fear of failing at learning is the major motivator for misbehaviour (Dreikurs). Allow your pupils to learn together and find answers to problems together. Two people getting an answer wrong, or indeed right, is better than one person alone getting it wrong or right. Be persistently consistent Tell your class(es) what your rewards and sanctions will be. Keep your sanctions doable and commensurate with the rule that has been flouted. Children and young people recognise fairness and prefer to be treated as the individuals they are rather than as just part of a difficult group. Reward appropriate behaviour regularly; a smile, a stamp on their work and a word of encouragement, leading, possibly, to postcards home, will recognise pupils efforts to be good learners and will help them to know how well they are doing. 100

17 TEN TIPS ON BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT Learn to be assertive Both your body language and your verbal language need to show that you are assertive, neither weak nor aggressive. Sarcastic teachers do not get the best learners; kind but firm teachers do. There is a big difference in having banter with pupils you know well and putting pupils down. The latter is never acceptable. Use a firm, clear tone of voice, rather than a raised voice as this can become shouting or at worst screeching. Set routines When pupils know and understand what will happen in a variety of different circumstances, they are safe to learn and free to get on with the process of learning. Good teachers create routines that allow for persistent consistency but not routines that become staid lessons can be exciting but still have that underwritten set of boundaries. Dealing with anger It is impossible to deal with a very angry person adult or child when they are in a temper. The best thing to do is to remain calm and let the person know that you are going to help them, when they are ready, to resolve the problem. Try to keep control of your own emotions no matter what the other person may be feeling. If possible, thank the rest of the group for getting on with their work so that they do not become embroiled in a difficult situation, but see that you have the situation contained. Use humour Remember your sense of humour and recognise that of your pupils. It s hard to be angry or aggressive with someone who makes you laugh. Your classroom is like your home When you welcome people into your home, you automatically make them feel welcome and help them to understand the rules of your family. Do the same in your classroom. Keep it tidy but allow for the messiness of learning. Know the difference between an exciting buzz of learning taking place and irritating chatter. Don t make rules for rules sake. Be happy There is nothing more rewarding than teaching some of our most troubled and troublesome children, especially once we have broken through the reserve of their acting-out behaviour. Time and the motivation that you will be able to get through to them if you keep persevering is the solution. 101

18 STAYING SAFE assaults Teachers do an excellent job in maintaining discipline in schools, but in a small minority of cases problems arise. This is a summary of the steps that the NASUWT recommends are taken by members if they are assaulted at work by a pupil, parent or member of the public. n Summon assistance. n Ask for the NASUWT to be informed and for an opportunity to speak to your union. n Ask for the principal to be informed and that the incident is reported to the police. If necessary, and after taking the Union s advice, make a statement to the police and obtain a crime number. The NASUWT will support you in your statement to the police. n If appropriate, request that an ambulance be called, particularly if you have suffered a blow to the head. At the very least you should be allowed to leave the premises to seek medical advice. n Do not attempt to carry on teaching your lesson or carry out other duties. Request either to be allowed to go home or to sit quietly away from pupils. n Make sure contact is made with the NASUWT as soon as practicable. n As soon as you feel able, write down what you can remember of the incident and the circumstances that led up to it. Do not submit a written report to anyone until you have consulted the NASUWT. n As soon as possible after the event, note the names of witnesses and, if possible, ask, for your own reference, for written statements from any members of staff who witnessed the incident. n Ensure that at the earliest opportunity the incident is recorded in the accident book, preferably by yourself or your NASUWT Representative. Obtain a copy of what is recorded for your own records. If it has been entered by anyone other than yourself, check its accuracy. n If you have suffered an injury arising from an assault at work and you feel that your employer exposed you to an unnecessary and foreseeable risk of personal injury which could have been avoided, telephone the NASUWT free legal advice line on You may also be eligible to make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority which pays compensation to victims of violent crimes. The NASUWT will advise you on this. 102

19 STAYING SAFE child protection Child Abuse You should be provided with a copy of the school s child protection policy and any action that you take should comply with the policy. If a pupil confides in you that they are being abused or if you suspect abuse, you must not keep the information to yourself or promise the child confidentiality. Report your concerns to the designated child protection officer within the school. Do not attempt to question a child as this could jeopardise any future investigation. Leave questioning and investigation to other professionals. Allegation of Child Abuse If an allegation of child abuse, which arises from your employment, is made against you by a pupil, parent or others, contact the NASUWT immediately. The NASUWT will provide professional and legal support as appropriate. Bullying Ensure that you have the school s policy for addressing bullying behaviour. Bullying may be underpinned by unacceptable attitudes that lead to harassment on racist, sexist, homophobic, religious, disability or body image grounds. Some schools have separate policies that cover these forms of harassment. Contact with Pupils Physical contact A pupil, parent or observer may misconstrue physical contact. You should avoid making gratuitous physical contact with pupils. Any form of physical punishment of pupils is unlawful, as is any form of physical response to misbehaviour, unless it is by way of restraint. There may be occasions where physical contact is acceptable: n when a distressed pupil needs comfort such as a caring parent might give. However, you should always use your discretion in such cases to ensure that what is normal and natural does not become unnecessary and unjustified contact, particularly with the same pupil over a period of time; n the nature of the subject being taught. Examples may be demonstrating a piece of equipment or apparatus or demonstrating a move or exercise in PE. You should always be careful that such contact could not be misinterpreted; 103

20 STAYING SAFE child protection n in an emergency, where you need to administer first aid, wherever possible ensure that another adult is present; n teachers have a legal right to use reasonable force where it is necessary to physically restrain a pupil to prevent him/her from inflicting injury to others, or self-injury, damaging property or causing disorder. In such situations, only the minimum of force necessary should be used. It is essential that you consult the school s policy on physical contact with pupils and the use of restraint before you begin teaching. Teachers should be trained in acceptable forms of restraint. Teachers should be aware that there is no legal definition of reasonable force. It is therefore a question of judgement on the part of the person using the force. Teachers should not presume that they will always receive such support from the school and should ensure that they contact the NASUWT as soon as an incident occurs. Meetings with Pupils Private one-to-one meetings with individual pupils may leave you vulnerable to allegations of inappropriate conduct. It is important that you are aware of and follow your school s policy on such meetings. There will be occasions when a confidential interview or a one-to-one meeting is necessary, but, where possible, such interviews should be conducted in a room with visual access by someone outside or with the door open. Another adult should be present nearby. Where such conditions cannot apply, ensure that another member of staff knows that the interview is taking place. Meetings with individual pupils away from school premises should be exceptional and only be arranged with the specific approval of the principal. Searches Teachers cannot be required to conduct searches by their employer. The NASUWT strongly advises teachers not to undertake searches as they are liable to put themselves at an increased risk of assault and 104

21 STAYING SAFE child protection accusation. Searches should only be carried out by staff specifically employed to do so or by the headteacher. Relationships with Pupils You should ensure that your relationships with pupils are appropriate to the age and gender of the pupils and take care that your language or conduct does not give rise to comment or speculation. Attitudes, demeanour and language all require care and thought, particularly when dealing with adolescent boys and girls. You should also refrain from engaging with pupils outside of school, including using electronic means of communication such as text messaging, instant messaging or social networking sites such as Facebook, as this may also leave you vulnerable to allegations of inappropriate conduct. If you are concerned that a pupil is becoming attracted to you or is developing an inappropriate attachment, you should report the situation to a senior member of staff and seek advice from the NASUWT. The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 introduced the abuse of trust legislation, making it unlawful for a person to engage in sexual activity with a person under 18, where they are in a position of trust in relation to that younger person, even where the young person has consented to the relationship. This clearly covers teachers with regard to pupils at their school, including those over 16 years of age. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 extended this legislation even further. It introduced an offence of grooming and raised the penalties for offences. This means that convicted persons can now expect much longer custodial sentences. Acceptance of a caution under the Sexual Offences Act also means automatic placement on the Sex Offenders Register. It is also likely to result in the imposition of a bar by the Disclosure and Barring Service from working with children and/or vulnerable adults in any capacity, not only teaching. 105

22 STAYING SAFE health and wellbeing The NASUWT considers the issue of members welfare to be of utmost importance. Employers have a legal duty of care for employees. Stress Although most teachers experience pressure on a daily basis and some of this pressure can be good for people, even enjoyable, the pressure must be proportionate to the needs of the situation, the time limits and the individual s capacity to cope and control. This capacity varies according to the individual. Long-term pressure can lead to stress, which can be the cause of mental or physical illness. Possible symptoms of stress include exhaustion, headaches, increased pulse rate, sweating, and pains in the back, shoulders or neck. It can bring about illnesses such as heart disease or stroke, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, skin problems, infections, asthma and even cancer. Teachers suffering from stress may also be more susceptible to infections such as colds and flu. Stress may lead to behavioural changes such as: anxiety; panic attacks; fatigue; sleeplessness; becoming withdrawn; depression; mood swings; irritability; neglect of personal appearance; frequent absences; aggression; unwillingness to accept advice or co-operate with others; increased use of cigarettes, coffee, alcohol and other drugs; overworking; and difficulty in maintaining concentration. Personal relationships can also suffer. The employer has a legal duty to protect the health and safety of employees at work. This includes protection against the effects of stress. Employers should identify the causes of work-related stress, assess the risks and take preventive action before illness occurs. Supporting Members Suffering Stress in the Workplace To support teachers, the NASUWT has created the Wellbeing at Work online survey at The confidential survey assists members in identifying the pressure points at work. 106

23 STAYING SAFE health and wellbeing The NASUWT has also provided a wellbeing policy for schools which can also be found at If your employer is not helping to alleviate your stress, contact the NASUWT. Employment-related Personal Injuries The NASUWT uses expert solicitors in the pursuit of personal injury claims for compensation that arise out of work-related accidents, illness and assault. As with all personal injury compensation claims, you would need to prove that your injury, illness or disease was caused as a result of the negligence on the part of your employer. The Scheme does not cover medical negligence. The NASUWT indemnifies the member for all legal costs incurred, in circumstances where the claim has been deemed by the Union to have reasonable prospects of success. NASUWT members wishing to apply for legal assistance in relation to accidents at work, accidents during travel between home and work, work-related disease or disability, or assault by pupils, parents or intruders should phone

24 STAYING SAFE use and abuse of technology Developments in technology have led to significant improvements in support for learning and in the working practices of teachers and other members of the school workforce. However, there is growing evidence of the abuse of technology, by pupils, parents and employers. In some circumstances, the manner in which technology is used is increasing workload. It is also providing a vehicle for prejudice-related bullying and harassment of staff and for false allegations to be made against them. The inappropriate use of s, texts and internet sites is called cyberbullying. This can have a devastating effect on teachers health, wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem and, in some cases, their career progression as a result of employers trawling websites for information. You may use a variety of social networking sites, e.g. Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The NASUWT advises all teachers to review carefully all internet sites where they have recorded any personal information that could be accessed either by students or employers to ensure that it is appropriate. What You Can Do To Protect Yourself n Keep personal phone numbers private and do not use your own mobile phone to contact pupils or parents. n If you use social networking sites, avoid friending pupils or parents or adding them to your contact lists. You may be giving them access to your personal activity and information and allowing them to contact you inappropriately. They may also be giving you access to inappropriate information. n Do not post information about yourself publicly that you would not want employers, colleagues, pupils or parents to see. n Keep passwords secret and protect access to your computer accounts. n Always restrict access to your personal Internet accounts and set privacy levels. 108

25 STAYING SAFE use and abuse of technology n Avoid retaliating to or personally engaging with cyberbullying incidents. n Inform the appropriate person in authority in the school of any incidents at the earliest opportunity. n Keep a record of all incidents (including dates, times, witnesses and feelings experienced). Many of the incidents may appear trivial in isolation, so it is important to establish if there is a pattern over time. Contact the NASUWT immediately for further advice and support if you become a target of cyberbullying. For more information on cyberbullying, visit Use Social Networking Sites Safely The NASUWT has worked with Childnet International to support the production of guidance for newly qualified teachers and trainee teachers on using social networking sites safely. The guidance will help new teachers understand the e-safety issues within the school environment specifically. The Use and Abuse of s s are used regularly as a method of communication in schools and used appropriately can make a positive difference to working practices. However, in too many schools teachers are reporting that s are adding to their workload, intruding into their personal time and causing them stress. The NASUWT has carried out research into the abuse of s which has highlighted poor practice. Full details of the NASUWT research can be found on 109

26 STAYING SAFE use and abuse of technology Teachers need to be aware of the following information: n schools should have a clear protocol for the use of s and the school s account. Check if the school has a protocol. n the contents of s on a school s account are not totally private. These are often monitored by school management and any s can be accessed by them. n the school account should never be used for personal s between staff or for communication, for example, with other union members on union business. n teachers should have a personal account and that address should not be used for school-related matters or shared with pupils or parents. n when using the school account, care should be taken to ensure that what is included in an is written in a professional manner. There should be no expectation by the school that teachers will read or reply to s during teaching time, during the evenings, at weekends or during holiday periods. Schools should not send work-related s to teachers when they are on sick leave. Some schools have an expectation that teachers will use s to communicate with parents or support pupils with homework. There should be no expectation that teachers will do this in their own time. If you work in a school where s are: n sent for example, with read receipts which are designed to create an expectation of a response in a particular timescale; n regularly sent during the evening, weekends or holiday periods; n sent when you are on sick leave; n intruding on your personal life; n causing you pressure and stress; n adding to your workload; contact should be made with the NASUWT for advice and support. 110

27 ABOUT THE NASUWT The NASUWT provides full support for you wherever you choose to teach. This is one of many factors that makes the NASUWT the trade union for all student and newly qualified teachers. Cross-sector Representation The NASUWT has members in all sectors, from early years to further education, and represents teachers, at all stages of their careers, including school leaders. Democratic The NASUWT s membership determines national policy, which is implemented by those elected to represent them at local and national level and by professional staff. Politically Independent The NASUWT is political but not party political. It does not affiliate to any political party. The NASUWT serves the best interests of teachers no matter what party forms the government at national or local level. The NASUWT is deeply committed to ensuring that teachers and school leaders have their voice heard by government and employers and to working to influence education policy to secure the best working conditions for all teachers and school leaders to enable them to work effectively to raise standards. First-class Representation The NASUWT provides first-class legal and professional services through a high-quality network of local officers, national and regional professional staff and specialist legal advisers. Focused on Equality The Union leads the fight in championing equality. The Union recognises that not only are teachers and school leaders entitled to work in a fair and just environment, free from discrimination, but that they also play an essential role in challenging discrimination, inequality and intolerance. 111

28 ABOUT THE NASUWT The NASUWT, therefore, produces advice and information to members in respect of a wide range of equality issues. Many of these publications are designed to provide practical advice to ensure that equality is embedded in all areas of school life. To access all NASUWT equalities publications and to find out more about the NASUWT s equalities policies, visit Campaigning to Deliver Change The NASUWT is a campaigning union and has secured real achievements in improving teachers conditions of service, dealing with violent and disruptive pupils and tackling excessive workload and bureaucracy. Many other of the Union s campaigns have made a positive difference to teachers working lives. The NASUWT is the teachers union that is Standing up for Standards, supported by the judicious use of industrial action. Find out more at Practical Advice and Guidance The NASUWT produces excellent practical advice and guidance. All NASUWT publications can be accessed via the Union s website at Printed copies can be ordered online or on request. Training and Information The NASUWT offers an extensive programme of trade union and professional courses. They can be found at The NASUWT also holds numerous conferences and seminars throughout the year. These are featured on the NASUWT website. Benevolence Assistance Sometimes teachers experience financial hardship. Members are eligible to apply to the NASUWT Benevolent Fund if they are or have been subscribing members of the NASUWT. 112

29 ABOUT THE NASUWT Dependants of a member or former member of the NASUWT may also be eligible for support. Any NASUWT member experiencing hardship and who wishes to make an application to the Benevolent Fund should contact their NASUWT National Centre. Confidential Advice The NASUWT provides all members with confidential advice on issues of concern relating to their employment. If you have a problem at work, you can discuss this with your NASUWT Local Secretary, National Executive Member, or a member of the NASUWT s professional staff. The NASUWT offers confidential advice and support and will only act in accordance with your wishes. Follow the NASUWT on Twitter You can follow the NASUWT for further general Union news, events and policy on twitter.com/nasuwt. You can also follow the NASUWT General Secretary on twitter.com/chris_k_nasuwt. Follow the NASUWT on Facebook To follow the NASUWT, visit The NASUWT Facebook page is another source of useful information. The NASUWT also has designated Facebook sites for new teachers and for other groups of members. 113

30 KEEPING IN TOUCH Join NASUWT The NASUWT is the largest teachers union in Northern Ireland. FREE membership to all student teachers. Quick, no hassle JOIN NOW or phone Help us to keep you informed Changing address? Changing school? Moving house? Tell Us Feedback What did you find useful in the diary? What more do you need? HELP US TO HELP YOU Go online at Getting Involved Do you want to be more involved in the NASUWT? Find out more. Online at 114

31 CONTACT THE NASUWT NASUWT Northern Ireland Centre NASUWT Northern Ireland Ben Madigan House, Edgewater Office Park, Edgewater Road, Belfast BT3 9JQ Tel:

32 DATA PROTECTION NOTICE The NASUWT collects and maintains personal information in order to carry out its functions as a trade union, provide membership services and comply with certain statutory obligations. All personal information is treated with the utmost confidentiality and with appropriate levels of security. By joining the NASUWT, you agree to our processing your personal information, including sensitive personal information, such as trade union membership, as follows: The purposes for which the NASUWT will use personal information, including sensitive personal information, such as trade union membership, are for a range of union-based activities, including: to facilitate communication between members; to ballot members; to facilitate the internal democracy of the NASUWT; to facilitate representation and negotiation; to maintain records as to the eligibility of members and their dependants to enjoy benefits under the Rules of the Union or as offered by service providers; in offering and providing benefits, services, goods or products to members and their dependants; to analyse for the purposes of targeted mailing and the development of NASUWT activities; statistical profiling, including that relating to trade union membership, health and protected characteristics, where the NASUWT considers that appropriate. All information (updated as appropriate) is kept throughout membership and, to the extent necessary, for such reasonable period after membership as may be necessary to enable the member to access any post-membership benefits. In order to carry out some of the above, it will be necessary for the NASUWT to disclose information. Personal information will be made available to NASUWT employees and lay officers. It will also be released to agents, contractors and other service providers but only for the purpose of such agents, contractors or other service providers using the information on behalf of the NASUWT. Where, occasionally, the Union uses the services of such organisations, they are contractually obliged to process personal data in a secure and confidential manner under strict instructions. Such organisations include those who provide approved legal, financial and membership services or who distribute NASUWT publications. Members have the right to object to and stop direct marketing in any form by organisations contacting them on behalf of the NASUWT. If they wish to exercise their right to object and stop such direct marketing, then they should write to the Membership Team requesting that such mailings be stopped or, alternatively, write to the organisation in question direct. You have the right to ask for a copy of the information the Union holds on you (for which there is a small charge of 10) and to request that any inaccuracies be corrected. 116

33 HRE15/02058 Northern Ireland NASUWT The Teachers Union NORTHERN IRELAND