Reps training is back

After a lengthy spell on the sidelines, due in no small part to the critical teacher shortages, Reps training is back.

The revamped course provides valuable information for Reps including exploring where employees secure their working rights, how to effectively support individual members, and activating and organising your chapter.

As part of the training the Reps have been reviewing draft versions of the new Reps Handbook which has now been finalised and circulated to Reps. From providing suggestions on planning Chapter meetings and visits from your IEU organiser to practical advice on how to support members in a meeting, this handbook will provide a valuable resource for all current and aspiring Reps. https://bit.ly/2023repsbook

As excessive compliance issues begin to be addressed in schools, it is becoming obvious that the various professional growth in action or professional performance plans around the state continue to prove burdensome.

Members will recall that these processes were put in place some years ago, as part of AITSLs Teacher Performance and Development Framework, for systems and schools to qualify for funding.

Even though teaching is one of the most visible professions, and a teacher’s adherence to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers is discernible at every moment of the day, excessive processes were put in place requiring teachers to spend time and energy on administrative activities.

The IEU has offered to provide feedback to AITSL around these processes to develop compliance clarifying documentation. The IEU believes that a thriving culture of continuous improvement depends on respect for professional autonomy and the reduction of unnecessary and duplicative workloads. These principles will underpin any feedback we provide.

To date Reps’ training courses have been run in the North West, North Coast, Southern Suburbs, South Coast, Landsdowne, Central West, and Monaro Sub Branches and below is a sample of the feedback from some very satisfied Reps:

“Loved it! My first training day and I couldn’t have asked a for a better start to my time as a Rep.”

“It was fantastic to be involved and to become more informed.”

“As a school support officer member and Rep for our school I found today very informative and helped me understand problems facing our members, especially teachers, and how to assist them. Well done.”

“I found the day really useful in answering questions and my next steps as a union Rep and how to best support my members. Thank you.”

“Thanks to all the IEU staff for a well organised, informative, and educational day. Great discussion and nice to see so many Reps here.”

“Thank you. Most worthwhile! Enjoyed the collegiality.”

“Thank you for a great day’s training. It is always good to have knowledge refreshed for confidence building.”

“Very useful and motivating to be a Rep. The ‘how to deal with situations’ was very helpful and eye-opening!”

“Passion and knowledge from presenters and organisers present is clearly evident – made me feel inspired to speak out and up in my school.”

“A very informative and very interesting way to present the issues that most of us need to know about. Keeping doing the good job.”

“A great day. Thank you for supporting us country Reps. It was very informative.”

We appreciate that some of the dates this year were somewhat hastily scheduled, preventing several Reps from attending. For 2024 we will return to the process of scheduling the training days on the calendar well in advance.

Pat Devery Professional Engagement Coordinator