| SSTUWA Executive: Bridget Elliott |
 I have been a teacher and Union member for 30 years. During this time I have taught mainly in regional WA including Remote Schools (Wiluna, Halls Creek and Wingeline), the Pilbara, South West and currently Geraldton. My family and I have lived in Geraldton for the past 16 years and my 2 daughters were both educated in the public education system in Geraldton.I have been an active member of the Union at a Branch and District level fro some time. During that time I have listened to my colleagues as they express their concerns about what is happening to public education and the teaching profession. The reason I am standing for the position of Ordinary Executive Member is simple, as a classroom teacher from the country I want to be part of a team who will listen to all union members and put their well being and job satisfaction first. Members First will do this. For too long, teachers have been asked to trade off conditions to gain pay increases. During the last EBA the Members First team worked to achieve an agreement with no trade offs and better pay. As part of the Members First team I will make it a priority to be involved in fighting for more schools to be included in the Country Teaching Program. The need for good quality housing that is well maintained is also an issue that our Union needs to continue to focus on if we are to attract and retain teachers in the country. During my many years as a teacher I have seen a increase in the demands that are placed on a teacher’s time. With the increasing expectations from the community and our employer many teachers feel that their goodwill has been exploited. Their commitment as teachers and their professionalism has been used to fill the growing gaps in staffing, funding and resourcing in our schools. Some of this increased workload is of an administrative nature and takes real time away from what is really important to teachers, TEACHING STUDENTS. This ever increasing workload is pushing good teachers out of our profession. Members First is about listening to teachers and working fro them and with them to reduce their workload by fighting for increased DOTT for primary teachers, small class sizes and better resourcing so that administrators work can be undertaken by School Support Staff. Inclusivity of children with special needs into mainstream schools has increased the workload and stress levels on members. Schools and teachers are often the ones who pick up the pieces when governments make decisions but fail to provide adequate resources and support. If voted on to Executive I will work as part of the Members First team to address the resourcing shortfalls of Schools plus and the workload associated with writing a Schools Plus application. As educators we are constantly faced with a changing society. Our next test as public educators will be the national agenda which includes the introduction of a National Curriculum, League Tables and the Private versus Public School Funding arrangements. It has become common for governments to announce new initiatives with no commitment to appropriate resourcing. Our Union needs to be a strong voice in this debate and work to protect our rights and professionalism. The Members First team is the one that will give our Union that strong voice. |