Primary Activists Conference Funding available to attend gathering that will develop strategies for campaign on staffing, conditions and release time.
[ Full Story ]
Message to TAFE members of the NSW Teachers Federation
A proposed settlement to the TAFE dispute has been negotiated directly between representatives of the Premier and the Federation. At the end of negotiations the Government representatives present were advised that before the Federation could formally settle, the terms would have to be presented to TAFE members at meetings later this week for a vote and the results of those meetings considered at the Federation State Council meeting this Saturday, 13 March.
While the proposal does not address some important concerns, it establishes an historic precedent in NSW industrial history. What is described by the Director-General as "administrative arrangements to implement the new TAFE Teachers Award", represents a major improvement on what the DET intended to do under the October decision of the Full Bench of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission.
Of particular significance:
the additional hour of face-to-face teaching each week will be able to be offset by time spent on professional development activities,
members generally will only have to attend work for 30 hours per week,
programmed excess hours can be claimed on a fortnightly basis,
the changes to long service leave will not be implemented.
In deciding to recommend the proposal to you, the Federation executive is of the view that it would be extremely difficult to improve upon it in the current political and industrial climate. Even with prolonged and costly industrial action which would require the support of a significant majority of members, it is unlikely that a better outcome could be achieved in the current circumstances.
To be fully informed when considering the terms of the proposed settlement I would urge you to attend a broadcast meeting near you at 9 am on Thursday, 11 March and hear the reports and cast your vote.
Special Education Inquiry The NSW Legislative Council (Upper House) of the NSW Parliament is conducting an Inquiry into the Provision of Education to Students with a Disability or Special Needs.Schools have often criticised the DET and State Government for:
insufficient funding support for students with special needs in all school settings.
a lack of special education placements.
failing to fund smaller class sizes (mainstream, support units and special schools) to address the special education needs of students.
inadequate professional learning opportunities and curriculum support.
inadequate support in areas such as STLA, school counsellor allocations, physiotherapy, and occupational and speech therapy.
The Inquiry is a significant opportunity for public school parents, teachers and principals to put forward their views, experiences and recommendations for improved resourcing and support for special education.
To aid the inquiry process the Committee may decide to make public some of the submissions it receives. Submissions are usually published by the Committee and placed on the Committee's website. If you wish all or part of your submission to be kept confidential, or you want names and identifying details suppressed, please indicate this in your submission. The Committee will be advised of your request, and will usually agree to it. If you wish to discuss this please contact the Committee secretariat on 9230 3509.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 19 February.
Submission form[doc] This Word document can be used as a template to make a submission. After completing your submission, save the document to your computer and upload the form on the Inquiry page using the browse button.
Special Education Support A meeting on Monday 30 November 2009 involving representatives of the Primary Principals' Association, Secondary Principals' Council, Public Service Association, NSW Teachers Federation, DET and the Ministry of Education decided that the proposed trial in the Illawarra and South East Region would be postponed.
It was also decided that a representative working group would be established in Term 1 2010 to consider possible changes which may then be subject to a trial later in 2010.
Opportunities for extensive consultation with all staff (including School Learning Support Officers) will continue and be expanded; the feedback will inform the working group's deliberations. While the Federation has agreed to participate in these processes, we have not agreed to any outcomes other than the possibility of a trial later in 2010.
In relation to the proposed trial in the Illawarra & South East Region, please note the following:
In agreeing to the trial in one DET region, the Federation was determined to limit the extent of the trial and to prevent either the reality or perception of phased implementation of the DET proposals. The alternative was state-wide implementation in 2010.
The Federation does not accept that these proposals will inevitably be implemented across the State in 2011 or beyond.
Agreement to a trial does not mean that the Federation has relinquished either its opposition to the DET proposals or the capacity to take appropriate action on issues covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000.
Similarly, agreeing to a trial does not mean that the provisions of the current Crown Employees (Teachers) Award are not still relevant. Specifically, Clause 27 states: "The Director General.....may direct an employee to carry out such duties as are within the limits of the employee's skill, competence and training....." This is particularly important in relation to matters of Health and Safety, as Clause 27.3 states that the Director General has a responsibility "to provide a safe and healthy working environment".
In negotiating the trial with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Federation has insisted on representation and active participation in genuine processes of consultation and evaluation. Until recently, the DET had not specifically consulted Support Teachers (and others) directly affected by the proposals. At our request those teachers are now being provided with information and an opportunity to raise issues of concern. That process will continue.
Further information and advice will be forwarded as it becomes available. [READ MORE]
Over the course of the last number of months we have witnessed a dramatic boost in funding for public education.
The announcements associated with the COAG Agreement on 29 November 2008 and the investment in school infrastructure as part of the economic stimulus package represent the biggest investment in public education in decades.
$3.5 billion is being spent on infrastructure in NSW public schools over the next three years. As a result of the COAG national partnerships there is $700 million to be spent in NSW over 4 to 5 years on quality teaching, literacy and numeracy and low SES schools. Overall NSW is receiving approximately 44% of the total funds, with 85% of the funding for low SES communities coming to public schools.
This outcome is the result of the tireless campaigning by supporters of public education for more than 10 years.
As you would be aware, the Federal Government has announced a review of schools funding. To be conducted in 2010 and 2011 the review will inform schools funding from 2013. It will be a most significant moment in the politics of education in Australia.
We must now turn our attention to building a campaign aimed at ensuring a just outcome which reflects the fact that it is free, secular, universally accessible public education that remains the key to a vibrant, socially cohesive and prosperous Australia.
Oppose School Performance League Tables The NSW Labor Government is attempting to push through legislation to give the Commonwealth the power to enable league tables to be constructed and published.
The damage to curriculum provision, students and entire school communities caused by league tables is well documented in international research and evidence. Research also shows that league tables create greater inequality and increased segregation as a result of shifts in student enrolment patterns.
League tables are simplistic and potentially damaging to many schools and their communities.
Many mature-age teachers are discouraged from continuing to teach due to their superannuation fund arrangements. This is particularly so for members of the older superannuation schemes such as the State Superannuation Scheme (SSS), the "old scheme". Any teachers in SSS maximise their entitlements at the point of their nominated retirement date either at age 60, or at age 55 for those women who nominated 55 as their date of retirement.
Teachers in SSS who work beyond their nominated retirement date continue to pay superannuation contributions however, other than the flow-on benefits from salary increases, they don't receive any additional benefits for continuing in employment beyond their nominated retirement date.
In 2005 the Commonwealth Government changed the laws governing superannuation in order to allow superannuation fund members to gain access to their superannuation benefits without having to retire. These changes, called "Transition to Retirement", have now been possible for nearly four years. Both the Western Australian and the South Australian Governments have introduced "Transition to Retirement" arrangements for their employees.
The New South Wales Government has continually delayed in acting on repeated requests from the Teachers Federation for the introduction of "Transition to Retirement" arrangements for teachers and other New South Wales public sector employees.
The Federation asks that you assist in this campaign, either by sending the pro forma e-mail or by writing in similar terms to the Premier, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Education and Training and your local Member of Parliament.
The Sam Lewis Peace and Environment Awards are concerned with human rights and international cooperation as well asthe peaceful use of science, culture and religion and the mass media.
NOTE: CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL 19 SEPTEMBER
The awards aim to promote knowledge and understanding of how different cultures deal with conflict and recovery.
Federation recognises that preservation of the natural environment and global warming is the most significant challenge confronting our planet today. Teachers have a responsibility to do all that they can to ensure that students learn about how to work towards making Australiaand the rest of our planet environmentally sustainable.
There will be one prize of $1000 awarded for each of the three divisions:
primary (years K-6)
junior secondary (years 7-10)
senior secondary/post school education (years 11-12/TAFE)
Support the campaign for universal paid parental leave
Australia and the United States are the only two OECD countries that do not have a universal paid maternity leave scheme. It is estimated that only one third of working women in Australia have access to a paid maternity leave scheme.
Federation campaigning has meant that permanent, temporary, and casual teachers in NSW public schools and permanent and temporary TAFE teachers have access to 14 weeks paid maternity leave at normal salary subject to 40 weeks continuous service. Teachers who do not comply with the service requirements do not receive paid maternity leave. Part time casual teachers in TAFE do not receive any paid maternity leave regardless of length of service.
The Rudd Government was elected with a commitment to establish a universal paid parental leave scheme. This is required under the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. The Rudd Government appears to be wavering on the introduction of such a scheme in the 2009 Federal Budget to be delivered May 12. After 30 years of campaigning for a universal paid maternity leave scheme, renewed lobbying is therefore urgent.
A universal paid maternity, paternity and parental leave scheme would:
benefit families and children;
be another step towards closing the gender gap in pay and conditions;
ensure better representation of women in leadership positions;
encourage greater female participation in the workforce; and
benefit the economy.
The Federation is campaigning for at least 26 weeks paid maternity leave with full wage replacement for all women. Last year the Rudd Government commissioned the Productivity Commission to produce guidelines on a statutory scheme. The Productivity Commission draft guidelines provide for:
18 weeks post natal leave that can be shared by eligible partners;
an additional two weeks of paternity leave reserved for the father or same sex partner on the adult minimum wage of $543.78 per week;
benefits subject to normal taxation;
payment for women workers who have averaged at least 10 hours per week on average over the previous 12 months with the same or various employers; and
employers paying superannuation entitlements on the leave.
The Productivity Commission's draft report costed the model at $450 million.
As a very first step in achieving a universal scheme the union movement is campaigning for the Productivity Commission's draft recommendations be included in the Budget. Once the political hurdle of establishing a scheme has been overcome, it would be easier to lobby for a truly genuine universal paid parental leave scheme.
Teachers are urged to lobby federal politicians in support a universal paid parental leave scheme.
Members can use the draft letter provided to write a personal letter or send a message to the Prime Minister from his website
Farzad Kamangar, a 33-year old teacher and former trade unionist from the Kurdistan Province of Iran, is at risk of execution following the ruling issued at an unfair trial.
Kamangar, who worked as a teacher in rural areas and was a human rights activist, is accused of being a terrorist through his alleged affiliation to the Kurdistan Workers' Party, PKK. According to his lawyer, Khalil Bahramian, there is no evidence to justify the judgement that Kamangar has "endangered national security". His lawyer, who was not permitted to defend him, says Farzad's trial was not in accordance with article 168 of the Iranian Constitution: "Political and press offences will be tried openly and in the presence of a jury, in courts of justice." In this case, only one judge reviewed the case within five minutes and the defendant was not allowed to speak.
NSW public school teachers continue to reject any attempt by federal and state governments to impose educationally unsound student reports.
In January 2008 all schools were provided with a leaflet with further advice on student reports.
The leaflet advises that Federation's ban remains in place and upholds the right to professional decision making.
There is a set of questions and answers which may help school staffs to make decisions about what their school should do as well as a table listing Federation's advice on each of the Department of Education and Training's requirements.
Cornerstones Conference At the end of the Cornerstones Conference on Saturday 23 September, a communique was launched by the Public Education Alliance. The communique will inform the public education campaign leading up to the state and federal elections next year.
The conference, which was organised by the Alliance, was an extraordinary success. More than 500 people attended and listened to speakers of international renown talking of the critical importance of a properly resourced public education system to a healthy democracy.
As the speakers' papers become available, they will be posted on the Cornerstones website.
The communique identifies five key priorities. In summary, these are free, public preschool education; additional targeted resources for smaller classes and specialist programs in years 7 and 8; greater support for children with identified needs; preparing and supporting future generations of teachers and existing teachers and maintenance and capital works programs conducive to effective teaching and learning in the 21st century.
Governments must address these priorities to ensure our great public schools can be even greater.
A new website has been launched to help students balance the competing demands of full time study and part time work.
The Students@Work website has sections aimed at students, teachers, parents and employers, because they all have an important role to play in helping students achieve the right balance.
There are many interactive tools for use, particularly by students. A CV Maker is provided that will take students through a step-by-step process to producing a professional image. A web-based calendaring tool called the "Time Tamer" can be used by students to plan their time.
Students who need extra help in planning their work/study load can invite parents and teachers to view their calendars.
Stewart House Stewart House has a proud record of providing short-term respite care to thousands of children in need each year. It has survived only because of the very generous support of NSW government school teachers and school communities who have adopted Stewart House as their No 1 charity and because of the support received from many other organisations and individuals including police officers and volunteer workers.
Stewart House gives children the opportunity of enjoying the life of a child, often for the first time. Children from Kindergarten to Year 10 are eligible. There is NO cost to children's parents. Children are given medical, dental and optometric assessments and if necessary treatment and/or referral to an appropriate specialist. In order to pay for the costs of the children's food, their bedding, the excursions we take them on, their supervisors' salaries and various operating costs, we must now raise $2.7 million each year. Supervisors must be employed to care for the children in their dormitories overnight and to supervise them at meal times and on excursions and weekend activities.
Stewart House is the official charity of the NSW Teachers Federation. The Federation calls on its members to join the salary contribution scheme for Stewart House or, if they are already Stewart House supporters, to consider increasing their support.
Teachers and the Law The Department of Education and Training and the NSW Teachers Federation jointly organised a "Teachers and the Law Conference" that was held at the Masonic Centre in Sydney on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 October 2005. The conference was targeted at teachers (including head teachers, principals and TAFE campus management) in government schools and NSW TAFE. The program was comprised of presentations by external speakers and officers of both the DET and the Federation dealing with a range of topics impacting on government schools and TAFE including the changing industrial environment, duty of care, dealing with difficult people, workers compensation, procedural fairness, workplace bullying, FOI and a review of privacy cases involving DET.
NSW Attorney General, Robert Debus MP, and NSW Solicitor General, Michael Sexton SC, addressed the conference.
Approximately 300 teachers attended the conference.
The success of the Federations Pro Rata Case resulted in significant benefits flowing to Part Time Casuals teaching at least 10 hours per week, and the creation of many TAFE Temporary Teacher positions since July 2005.
In negotiations around the the TAFE Temporary - Conditions of Employment Policy the Department agreed that " Where it is proposed to extend a TAFE Temporary Teacher position beyond two years from the date of its creation, Institutes should consider whether there is a need to create a permanent TAFE Teacher position (instead of extending the TAFE Temporary Teacher position)." The Department also agreed that programs of 19 hours or more for 12 weeks or more should not be disaggregated.
The Federation wrote to the Minister for Education & Training, Carmel Tebbutt on 30 June 2006 around the conversion to permanency of TAFE Temporary Teachers and other educational staff such Education Officers. The Federation has asked the Minister to support the development of an instrument such as a change to the Act, Regulations or an industrial agreement which would allow such educational employees to seek conversion to permanency after two years consistent with section 31 of the Public Sector Employment & Management Act.
This would mean that temporary educational employees would have the same right to seek conversion to permanency as other Public Sector Employees including TAFE administrative and support staff.
In a response dated 28 August 2006, Minister Tebbutt expressed sympathy with the Federations proposal, but has referred the matter to the Department to investigate the implications.
Members are encouraged to send the attached letter on conversion to permanency to Minister Tebbutt, Premier Iemma and local State Member of Parliament.
The Federation will be holding a campaign course TAFE Permaneny Campaign on 29th September 2006. Members interested in particpating or being involved in the campaign should contact Linda Simon TAFE Teachers Association Secretary on 92172310.
Subscribe
