Teachers -please talk to me about unions

[SuperBunny]

When I began teaching I was in a union (ATL). I had a break and have started teaching again but am no longer in a union. Should I be? If so, which one? Is one better for primary/ secondary/ SEN?

I know I should know this but I don't...

Yes you do need to be in one, for your own peace of mind.

Are you in primary or secondary? In primary I would guess that you would go with the consensus in the staff room - we're a bit more all over the place in terms of who belongs to what. Is there a rep in school? I'd suggest talking to them and find out which one best suits your views on things like pay structure, rarely cover, SATs etc.

You'll need one even more if those Tories get themselves sorted

I'm a SEN teacher with primary & secondary although atm teach secondary. That might change next year. I think you are right, I need to be in one. I did have a look at each of them but couldn't decide which would be best so I didn't bother joining.

Nothing is staff room re unions which is why I asked on here. Will have a better google. Thanks Lucy.

There are 4 PAT has changed names to Voice (but seems to be more for Nanny's and Child minders). I'm a student teacher so belong to all 4.
You really do need to belong to one. I think they all tend to give you a useful insurance for stuff stolen from staff rooms, as well as the legal help.

There was a thread about this recently which may help - here

Thanks Feenie

I am in ATL because I need to be covered by insurance which the union provides. I chose ATL because it is the only one with a section for the independent sector.

However, I never do anything with my union membership, and often their bumph goes in the bin unopened.

I thought they all gave you insurance? Hmm, will have to check. Thanks all

They do

Go with whichever has the most members at your school- strength in numbers! Plus, if you ever need support, the likelihood of having a rep who is a colleague is increased.

I am staunchly NUT, but really think you should choose the union reflected at your school.

I'm NASUWT and have been since I was a trainee. I initially chose it because my parents were both teachers pre-retirement, and Dad was on the Nat Exec for NAS, so was very useful if I ever had any questions.

I agree with tethersend about going with whichever is most popular within your school. Also consider which has the most active rep, or the rep you might find it easiest to discuss issues with if necessary.