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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Original poster

Which union?

8 replies

Maladicta · 31/08/2015 12:44

I know there's already a union thread going but thought it would be better to keep my query here.

Primary PGCE starts tomorrow (even though DCs aren't back at school til the end of week but never mind!)

On the induction timetable we have two lunchtimes where we can meet teaching union reps.

Ahead of this, I wondered which unions people have opted for and why. Anything to watch for?

TIA!

OP posts:

noblegiraffe · 31/08/2015 12:50

Join all of them as a student, it's free. Then when you start teaching as an NQT ask the teachers at your school who they are with, and who has the best rep. Then go with whichever they recommend.

Original poster

Maladicta · 31/08/2015 13:36

Thanks!

OP posts:

SawdustInMyHair · 01/09/2015 11:44

I enrolled for my PGCE and it was just one of the forms they gave us to fill in! The NUT were weirdly not present, so I've joined the NASUWT and ATL although in Primary the ATL I think will be not that common.

Most people seem to go one of two routes - either see which is better when they're a student and join that one as a teacher, or just join the one most people are in at their school when they get a job.

Original poster

Maladicta · 01/09/2015 18:51

Signed up for all three, thanks for the advice.
ATL had the best freebie, a brain-shaped stress ball which I think will be much used.

OP posts:

FithColumnist · 05/09/2015 23:26

I still have my brain-shaped stress ball. I throw it at pupils when they displease me.

CasualJersey · 06/09/2015 20:50

Another vote for all of them as a student.
Then go with the majority in your school as a NQT.
This was advice given to me 12 years ago.

lurkinginthenorth · 07/09/2015 05:16

I joined them all as a student.

When it came to getting a job, i can't remember why I chose NASUWT. It wasn't because they were 'better', I think it had something to do with the offer they had on.

Some years later, I have had to use the NASUWT. I can't fault them. In my region they have a 100% success record. However, an ex-colleague used the NUT and they were terrible. Really let her down.

I think in all honesty, it depends on the area in which you study/work. I think some regional reps are better than others.

If you can, go more on 'heresay' than popularity.

catfordbetty · 07/09/2015 13:16

I agree - join them all while it's free. In the longer term, you should ask yourself whether you ever intend to be involved in the work and life of a union. What does it campaign for? Would you be willing to strike to further its aims? Would you be an active member of your school group, showing solidarity with union colleagues when necessary? It may be you simply seek professional liability insurance which could be gained without joining a union.

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