Your Union

Dear Colleague,

Greetings and best wishes in your chosen career. This booklet is meant to give basic information not only about the Ulster Teachers' Union but about the Teaching Profession as a whole. I hope you will find it to be of some value, and that it will introduce you to the basic philosophy of the Union -to render assistance and advice to members on all matters as efficiently as possible.

Northern Ireland teachers will find the U. T. U., with its Head Office and full- time staff based in Belfast , the most suitable Professional body for them. While concentrating on its main function -that of negotiator on behalf of the Province's teachers -the Union has developed worthwhile fringe services and involves its members in all aspects of its work. Education is a developed service in N.I. and is not subject to outside directives. Consequently organisations based outside the Province are, to that extent, out of touch with local needs of teachers.

Our field officers will be available in the schools, colleges and universities in Northern Ireland to discuss any matter which teachers or student teachers may wish to raise. Please do not hesitate to contact them at Union H.Q. to arrange a visit.

Yours sincerely,

AVRIL HALL-CALIAGHAN

General Secretary

Field Officers

Mike Graves Senior Field Officer

Unions at work

As a student or fully qualified teacher you may have been a member of at least one national student union. Student Unions use their resources to fight the case for better grants and conditions, improved service (e.g. cheaper international travel) and increased representation on governing bodies. They present information to commissions set up by various government departments. You have their protection should you find yourself in conflict with your college/university authorities and are covered in most of your activities while at college. Their publications detail your rights and obligations as a member.

You may feel there is little need for further union membership, but all too soon you enter your chosen profession and lose your membership of the student unions. Right from your first year you go into the schools on teaching practice, accepting responsibility for children. Inevitably some of you will need the insurance cover the Ulster Teachers' Union provides. It is best for you to become a member of a teachers' organisation at the earliest possible moment.

FREE STUDENT AND 'FIRST YEAR' MEMBERSHIP

Become an associate member of the U.T.U. and your membership is free of charge during your years as a student and for your first 3 terms as a teacher. Your membership of a teachers' organisation is not something which happens automatically. You must contact the school or local representative of the union of your choice, fill in the application forms and pay the subscriptions annually. Remember that as an associate member of U.T.U you enjoy all the benefits and services of full membership, free of charge.

'The U.T.U operates through local branches serving all areas of Northern Ireland and through Departments, one of which is the Young Teachers' Department.

You will find outlined in the following pages the benefits of Ulster Teachers' Union membership. When you have read through the various sections we hope you will complete the form of application for membership of U.T.U. to be found in the centre of the booklet.

How to make contact

COLLEGE COMMITTEE

Your first contact with the Union may be the Chairperson of the U.T.U. Committee in your College/University. His/her name will appear on posters and pamphlets on display in your union building. Any member of the Committee will be able to give you the information you require about the Union .

BRANCH OFFICERS AND SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE

The school to which you are sent on teaching practice or to which you are first appointed will have a School U.T.U. Representative who can give you basic information about the Union and the names and addresses of officers of your local branch.

Your next main point of contact will be the U.T.U. Head Office Officials whose job it is to visit the colleges, universities and schools to offer advice and information to students and young teachers. They will arrange to visit you when requested and can be contacted at Head Office. Please make contact with:

MR M GRAVES ULSTER TEACHERS' UNION , 94 MALONE ROAD , BELFAST BT9 5HP .

Tel: 028 90662216.

What is the UTU?

Founded in 1919, the Ulster Teachers' Union is now one of the largest and strongest organisations of teachers in Northern Ireland . Recognised teachers of all types, irrespective of rank, or sex, belong to this comprehensive Union and enjoy its protection, benefits and services.

The U.T.U. is a live, flexible organisation constantly adapting to the changes of our education system and having special Departments to cater for the interests of Primary, Secondary, Nursery, Special Education and Young Teachers.

The main objects of the Union are to:

.Provide means whereby the collective opinion of all members may be expressed.

• Cultivate a fraternal spirit and professional intercourse among the members, and to secure a strict observance of professional etiquette.

• Bring about unity in the Teaching Profession.

• Encourage and promote the discussion of questions of professional interest. .Raise the standard of education, and to work for the establishment of a properly co-ordinated system of education.

• Afford advice and guidance to the Government, the Department of Education, and all other bodies which have any share in the regulation and control of education in Northern Ireland .

• Secure the promotion and the safe-guarding of educational interests in the government of Northern Ireland .

• Obtain greater freedom for the teacher in the discharge of his/her professional duties.

• Offer advice and assistance to members in professional matters.

• Afford legal advice and assistance to members in difficulties that may arise in the discharge of their professional duties.

• Protect members against unjust dismissal.

• Secure for teachers adequate remuneration and promotion on reasonable terms, and to secure that merit shall be the only factor in promotion to the more highly paid positions.

• Secure an adequate pension scheme.

• Provide a Benevolent, Widows' and Orphans' Fund to assist members or their dependents in need of help.

• Generally in all other matters to act in the interests of the members of the Union .

What does the UTU say ?

(A) SALARIES Salaries for teachers in Northern Ireland are negotiated by an elected body known as the Northern Ireland Teachers' Council. Most teachers' organisations are represented on the Council, but none has greater representation than the Ulster Teachers' Union . While teachers in England and Wales have had their negotiating rights removed, we in Northern Ireland have retained ours, ensuring that channels of communication are kept open. This can only be beneficial for teachers in the Province. Current salary scales are available from U. T .U. Headquarters on application.

(B) PENSIONS Since 1st April, 1972 , a major review of the teachers' superannuation scheme has taken place introducing several additional benefits. A teacher earns a pension after 2 years service, the pension being payable at age 60 years. Pension is calculated on the best salary received during any consecutive 365 days during the last 3 years of service and is payable at the rate of 1/80th of this salary for each year of reckonable service. A lump sum is also payable on the same basis at the rate of 3/80ths for each year of service with a slight adjustment in respect of service prior to October, 1956. A family benefits scheme forms part of the overall scheme and this provides, within certain conditions, pensions for a deceased teacher's widow and/or other dependents. Infirmity pensions and death gratuities are other benefits provided under the scheme which requires teachers to make a basic contribution of 6% of gross salary. Pension is subject to annual inflation proofing. Contributing to the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme is no longer compulsory, but U.T.U. advice is that personal pensions do not provide a suitable alternative to a good occupational pension scheme such as the Teachers' Superannuation Scheme.

The Union is opposed to any cutback in the intake to teacher education and training. Whilst it appreciates the utter folly of training vast numbers of teachers for whom there would be little prospect of employment as such, it will not agree that the teaching force is adequate until over-size classes have been eliminated.

(D) PROFESSIONAL UNITY

The Union believes that all teachers should be grouped in one organisation working for the common good of the profession and not for sectional interests alone. Thus the Ulster Teachers' Union is composed of men and women teachers, principals, vice-principals and assistant teachers, from nursery schools, primary schools, all types of secondary schools, special schools and many other branches of the Education Service.

The Union believes that the interests of teachers and of students are considerably weakened by conflict between organisations of teachers, each representing a section of the Profession rather than the whole. The U.T.U. has stated its willingness to wind up its activities as a separate organisation if this would assist the formation of anew united body.

The Union has strong external links with the National Union of Teachers in the United Kingdom and works closely with the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (Northern Committee) to provide a joint effort on behalf of the majority of teachers in Northern Ireland in negotiations at central and local level, and in the provision of worthwhile services to members of both bodies. It is a member of the 'British Isles Group' comprising the major teachers' unions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland .

(E) IN-SERVICE PROVISION

The Union considers that it is the responsibility of the Department of Education to maintain a high level of in-service provision in order that teachers may acquire the skills and expertise necessary to meet the demands of an ever changing curriculum. The Union condemns the cut-backs in in-service education as negligence on the part of the Government whose primary function should be the maintenance and enhancement of professional educational standards.

(F) EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The Union is committed to enter into consultations with all interested parties, including the Equal Opportunities Commission to determine the best means possible within existing legislation of ensuring equality of promotion opportunities within the teaching profession.

The Ulster Teachers' Union has always supported equal pay and conditions for male and female teachers.

(G) DISCIPLINE

The Union constantly monitors the trends in our schools and has been persistent in its advice to the Department of Education that special provisions must be made for unmanageable pupils.

The Union is at present demanding that additional resources be made available to enable schools to deal effectively with the problem of disruptive pupils.

The UTU and YOU the student

GRANTS

The Union believes that all students should receive an adequate grant with no

reduction depending upon the personal income of the parent. The Union is opposed to the system of loans which has been introduced to supplement the grants system.

PRODUCTIVITY OF COLLEGES

The Union stands opposed to any system for increasing the productivity of Colleges of Education which would jeopardise academic standards and student amenities. It is in the interest of all teachers that a high standard of amenities is provided in the Colleges.

TEACHER SUPPLY AND TRAINING

The Union has a continuing interest in the supply and training of teachers, and participates in the committee especially established to advise on these and allied matters.

UTU services available to you

(A) LEGAL SERVICES AND PROTECTION

Qualified teachers and student teachers on school practice are fully covered. The Union provides free legal aid in respect of matters connected with or arising out of your employment as a school teacher. The Union provides full protection for you if a Court decision should find you guilty of negligence in case of accidents of any description to pupils under your care, in the performance of your school duties.

A teacher or student teacher who meets difficulties in the classroom can, if need be, call for the help of Head Office staff and, if necessary, the Union 's solicitor. Student members of the U.T.U. as well as qualified teachers may call personally to seek the advice of Head Office staff, if they so desire.

The sad truth is that teachers, by the very nature of their profession, need a legal service which is not necessary in many other occupations. The Union takes pride in its record of service to teachers in this field.

(8) SALARY AND PENSIONS PROBLEMS

The teachers' salary scales have tended to become more complex, and many teachers individually require expert guidance on their salary positions. The Union 's Head Office staff is available to help you sort out such problems.

The Union will also be able to help you calculate your pension as you approach retirement and will assist in dealing with difficulties concerning National Insurance. You should remember that there is income tax allowance on U.T.U. subscriptions.

As a member you are covered by insurance while following your profession. Accident:

Personal effects -£100 Cash -£50

This cover is provided free of charge to all Associate or Full Members of the U. T.U. Death Grant -£1 ,000 immediately to next-of-kin.

Malicious damage to Members' Cars -On school grounds cover for up to £100.

VOUCHER/SPECIAL OFFERS

The Union provides Vouchers for discount on Travel and Holiday Breaks from time to time. Also available are special offers from various companies.

(E) UTU, BENEVOLENT FUND

Grants are available for members in needy circumstances or for the dependents of deceased members who are in financial difficulties.

(F) INFORMATION

Information is freely available from the Union at all times. Headquarters, Executive Members and Branch Officers are always ready to give advice and information on any matters concerning the education service. Branch meetings are a fertile source of information, and the place to share your views and opinions with your colleagues in other schools. The Union issues regular editions of the Broadsheet, Notice board News and U.T.U. News in addition to pamphlets, leaflets and summaries dealing with topical educational matters.

(G) EDUCATIONAL HELP

The Education Committee of the U.T.U. formulates recommendations on educational matters and can give professional assistance to any member who requests it.

(H) HOUSE PURCHASE, ASSURANCE AND FINANCE

The Union has made special arrangements with various companies with regard to house purchase, assurance and finance for its members. For example, members may save considerably on the cost of finance for motor car purchase. Consult the U .T .U .on 90 662216 for further details.

(I) SALARY AND PENSIONS PROBLEMS

U.T.U. members can rely on the confidential information provided by head office staff.

How does the Union work?

The basic unit of the Union is the Branch, founded on a geographical basis so consequently some are much larger than others. There are 21 in all, with Belfast being by far the biggest. Area associations are made up of the branches operating in an Education and Library Board Area. The day-to-day business of the Union is carried on by the permanent officials instructed by the Central Executive Committee. This Committee is elected annually. Any member in good standing is eligible for nomination and election. Presidents are elected, initially as Vice-President, annually in a similar manner. The supreme authority of the Union is the Annual Conference. All Branches are entitled to send official delegates to Conference according to their membership. At Conference all delegates may vote and motions passed by Conference become Union policy. It is the duty of the Central Executive Committee to ensure that such resolutions on policy are implemented. Much of the detailed work of the Union is carried on by various sub-committees comprising:

Finance and General Purposes Education

Policy and Communications Salaries and Conditions

Organisation and Membership International Relations.

REPRESENTATION

The U.T.U. is represented on every major body dealing with education where teachers' interests are involved. Some of the external bodies with U.T.U. nominees are:

Northern Ireland Teachers' Council

Northern Ireland Teachers' Salaries Negotiating Committee

Northern Ireland Teachers' Conditions of Service Negotiating Committee Northern Ireland Primary Teachers' Council Standing Conference for Primary Education

Standing Conference for Secondary Education Standing Conference for Special Education Workers' Educational Association Area Consultative Committees

Northern Ireland Comprehensive Education Association Education and Library Boards.

Joint Consultative Committee CCMS Primary Forum, CCEA

Post Primary Forum, CCEA

UTU/INTO Joint Standing Committee

Teachers' Superannuation Consultative Committee

National Insurance

STUDENTS

If you are not employed you don't have to pay any National Insurance Contributions while you are in full-time education. If you started your course before you were 21 you may be credited with the missing contributions to help you get unemployment benefit, sickness benefit and maternity allowance when your education is over.

When you eventually retire you can get a standard rate retirement pension, even if you have a gap of up to 5 years in your contributions. However, if you use up these years as a student you may find it difficult to qualify for a pension if there are gaps in your record later on -if you go abroad for instance. You can make up your National Insurance Contributions. Further details can be obtained from your local social security office.

TEACHERS

National Insurance Contributions are compulsory for teachers and are deducted monthly at source from salary .

Married women and some widows used to be able to pay class 1 contributions at ! a reduced rate when employed. This choice is no longer available but if a married i woman or widow had reduced liability on 5th April 1978 she may keep it under certain circumstances. Full details are available in the leaflet obtainable from your local social security office.

Absence from the UK for even a temporary period can affect your national insurance contribution record and your entitlement to many benefits. Most importantly in the long run, retirement or widow's pension could be lost or paid at a lower rate. There are arrangements to help people who go abroad, however, and the UK has reciprocal agreements with many Commonwealth, European and other countries. Full details can be obtained from the Department of Health and Social Services, Overseas Branch, Castle Buildings , Stormont, Belfast , BT43TE.

General advice

In the following pages we offer some general advice and information on topics which will concern you closely as a student and as a teacher.

YOU AND APPOINTMENTS

Student teachers should watch out for notices about seminars the Union arranges each year in major centres to advise them about the appointments procedure and how they can best present themselves at interview. In addition to this service the Union produces a pamphlet on this topic and provides it free of charge to associate members.

YOU AND EPD

The Union arranges a series of seminars in the colleges and universities to inform student teachers about the requirements of the first year in teaching. In addition it publishes a booklet entitled Your First September containing advice and information which is invaluable to the beginning teacher. This is provided free of charge to all associate members before they take up their first teaching appointments and is available from Head Office on request.

UNEMPLOYED MEMBERS' REGISTER

The U.T.U. operates a register to help young teachers find jobs. A copy of this register is supplied to schools and many teachers find temporary and often permanent work through it.

YOU AND THE LAW

If at any time you are in need of legal advice or assistance on any matter arising out of your professional life you should contact the permanent officials at the Ulster Teachers' Union . The necessary steps will then be taken to provide legal assistance which, for current members of the Union at the time when their difficulties arise, is free of charge.

The types of legal cases dealt with by the Union on behalf of its members are very varied. They include claims for personal injuries suffered by members in the course of their professional life and the defence of any claim brought against a member in connection with any matter which arises in his or her professional life.

It may be that you will require advice rather than direct legal action on some matter relating to your work as a teacher. In that case you should write directly to Union Headquarters or call. The following is a selection of typical questions which are dealt with from time to time by the Union.

FAQs

Q. What is my responsibility should a child in my class be injured? A. You can be held legally liable when one of your pupils is injured if it can be established that you have in some way been negligent or in breach of your duty of care, and that negligence or breach of duty has directly resulted in the injury to the pupil. The standard of care which the law imposes on a teacher is that of a reasonably careful parent.

There is, in other words, no automatic legal liability resting on teachers for injuries to their pupils. A recent case affords a good example.

During a physical education class which was being held in a school playground under the supervision of a teacher, a six-year-old girl was using a climbing net which was thrown over a horizontal bar 8 feet above the ground and pulled out on either side at an angle of 45 deg. to the ground.

Other children were using the net at the same time and shaking it and

the girl in question fell to the ground and landed on her elbow sustaining a serious fracture to her right arm.

It was alleged that the apparatus was unsafe and that there was lack of proper supervision over the children. The claim was made against both the local authority and the teacher in charge of the class.

The case was heard at the local courts and the Teachers' Union provided the defence. It was established that the use of the type of climbing net was general throughout the land and that there was no lack of supervision, and the claim was dismissed.

It is possible that if a pupil is injured the teacher may be sued personally, but the more usual practice is for the child, through his parents, to make a claim against the employing authority since normally an employer is vicariously liable for the negligent acts of his employees committed during the course of their employment. How, then, can the Union help if the claim is against the local

education authority? The Union will, if necessary, provide representation to watch the teachers' interests in any legal proceedings. The representative will then collaborate with the solicitor for the employer in order to protect the teacher's professional reputation and, as far as possible, endeavour to see that any settlements made do not involve admissions of liability which might reflect on the teacher.

Q Can teachers be held legally liable for accidents to pupils on the way to or from school?

A. The teacher's duty of care exists during the whole of the time the pupils are in the school premises with the knowledge and consent of the school authorities, and off the school premises during those times when they are under his/her care, such as going to swimming baths or dining centres.

A. Generally speaking, when the pupils leave the school premises on their way home, they are not the responsibility of school authorities, and teachers cannot be held legally liable for anything that may befall them. But if, as a voluntary matter, a teacher undertakes responsibility towards them for example, by volunteering to supervise them while they cross the road or in bus queues which form off the school premises, he/she will be held responsible for exercising due care while discharging these duties.

It is, incidentally, important to realise that it is not the province of a teacher, in law, to act as a road patrol when pupils are going to or from school and home. It is the responsibility of the local authority to provide these patrols where necessary, so although the failure on the part of the driver to heed the signals of the teacher may well be evidence of careless or dangerous driving, both of which are offences under the Road Traffic Act, such failure is not in itself a statutory offence, as would be a disregard of the signals of a policeman or the traffic sign of a school crossing patrol.

Q. Are there set hours during which a teacher must work? Under the contract of employment for teachers they must be (a) available for work on 195 days a year of which not more than 190 days

A. Under the contract of employment for teachers they must be

(a) available for work on 195 days of the year of which not more than 190 days should involve teaching children in a formal situation. It is expected that working days which do not involve teaching children in a formal situation will be reasonably contiguous with days which do involve teaching children.

(b) available to perform such duties at such times and such places as may reasonably be specified by the head teacher for 1,265 hours per year exclusive of time spent off school premises in preparing and marking lessons and time spent travelling to and from the place of work.

(c) required to teach as distinct from supervise children in a formal situation for not more than 25 hours per week in a primary school and 23.5 hours per week in a secondary school.

Q. What is the legal responsibility of a teacher who takes a school party abroad?

A. Although this is a voluntary activity on the part of the teacher, he/she must still exercise that same standard of care towards his pupils as he/she does when they are in school. He/she should study the guidelines produced by his/her school authorities, adhere to them and ensure that insurance is provided. Contact U.T.U. Head Office if you need further advice.

Q. What is the position with regard to the teacher's right to administer corporal punishment?

A. Corporal punishment was abolished in schools under the Provisions of the Education (Corporal Punishment) (NI) Order 1987. To meet the requirements of the legislation the Union instructs you in your own professional interests to refrain from using any type of corporal punishment as a means of chastising pupils. (Using a cane, ruler, hand, or poking or shaking a pupil can all be regarded as corporal punishment.)

Q. What help can the Union give to a teacher who is faced with dismissal? -

A. The General Secretary or Assistant General Secretary will be able to offer expert advice on the professional aspects of the situation. If possible, these officers will enter into negotiations with the head teacher, managers or governors, or the local Education and Library Board. These officers will act as the member's representative at any enquiry and conduct the case on his/her behalf.

We hope that your professional career will be trouble-free. No new entrant to the profession likes to contemplate trouble in his/her job and most succeed in avoiding it. However, some do not, and often the problems they face are in no way their own fault. Whoever is to blame, it usually takes the skilled approach of the expert to put matters right. In this respect it is certainly reassuring if you have the backing of all the resources of the U.T.U. Be sure to contact Head Office at the earliest possible stage of developments.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A MEMBER OF THE U.T U.

(a) Acquaint yourself with the Rules of the Union , current news and policy developments;

(b) Accept all decisions of the governing bodies of the Union as democratic decisions of the whole organisation;

(d) Use the appropriate methods of protest against rulings and decisions considered not to be in the best interests of the membership;

(e) Actively participate in the government of the Union by attending meetings, writing to the Publications Editor, voicing your opinion, standing for office and voting. You cannot justify disputing Union policy if you have failed to participate in its formulation;

(f) Discuss professional problems with your U.T.U. School Representative,

Branch Officers or Headquarters Staff;

(g) Attempt at all times to persuade those who are not in the U.T.U. to join.

FRATERNAL ORGANISATIONS

As a member of Education International, the U.T.U. is able to playa part in the international field of education and enjoy the benefit of fraternal relationships with the major teachers' organisations throughout the world. Foremost among these is our close United Kingdom ally, the larger and powerful National Union of Teachers of England and Wales .

Relations between the U.T.U. and the N.U.T. have always been most cordial, and both Unions benefit from the relationships.

Details of reciprocal membership arrangements between U.T.U. and N.U.T. are available from Head Office on request.

MEMBERSHIP

If you have not yet joined the U.T.U., and having read the contents of this booklet you have decided that it would be beneficial to you to be part of a body interested not only in your profession, but in all the individual and varied problems with which your career is involved, your course of action is clear: that is to place your future in the hands of a forward-looking organisation with specialist experience and join the U.T.U. by completing the application form and sending it to Union headquarters or by handing it to your local U.T.U. Representative.

Useful addresses The following list is designed to be as useful as possible in the limited space available. Teachers seeking further information should write to the secretaries of the bodies concerned.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Macneice House, 77 Malone Road , Belfast , BT9 6AQ. 028 9038 5200

Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit

Commonwealth House, 19 New Oxford Street , London WC1 A 1 NU. 0207 405 4017

Director: Alan Wells.

Association for Science Education

College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9M. 01707267411

General Secretary: Dr. D. Bell.

Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama

73 Berry Hill Road , Mansfield , Notts NG18 4RU. 01623627637 Ann Jones

Northern Ireland Educational Film Library

Ulidia Centre, Somerset Street , Belfast BT7 2GS . 02890491058

British Association of Teachers of the Deaf

21 The Haystacks, Highwycombe, Buckinghamshire HP13 6PY. ..01494 464190

Hon. Secretary: Mr Paul Simpson

Dyslexia Association ( N. Ireland )

Bedford Street , Belfast , BT4 3HT. 02890654670

Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum Examination & Assessment

29 Clarendon Road , Belfast BT1 3BG. 028 9026 1200

Geographical Association

160 Folly Street , Sheffield S1 4BF. 01142960088

Historical Association

59aKennington Park Road , LondonSE114JH. 02077353901

Marketing Manager: Dr. Suzanne Cawsey

Association for Language Learning

150 Railway Terrace, Rugby , CV21 3HN. 01788546443

National Association for Gifted Children

Suite 14 , Challenge House, Sherwood Dr. , Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6DP. 0870 7703217

Northern Ireland Association for Special Education

St. Gerards 02890669907

Design and Technology Association

Hamilton House, Mabledon Place , London WC1H 9BD. 02073871441

Secretary: Geoffrey Thompson

Sports Council for N.I.

House of Sport, Upper Malone Road , Belfast BT9 5LA. 02890381222

Workers Educational Association

1/3 Fitzwilliam Street , Belfast BT9 6AW. 02890329718

Youth Hostel Association of N. Ireland

22 Donegall Road , Belfast BT12 5J. 02890324733

Professional Council for Religious Education

Royal Building , Victoria St. , Derby DE1 1 GW 01332 296655

Publications to help you (A) FROM THE UNION The UTU. News, the organ of the Union , publishes articles which are of considerable interest and value to the practising teacher. A member of the Union receives free of charge a copy of each issue. The UTU. Diary is another U.T.U. publication containing valuable information on conditions of service. Your First September is a booklet of advice to young teachers about to embark on their induction year. It is issued free to all associate members on request to Headquarters. Teaching Appointments gives advice on applications and interview procedures and holds useful information for both students and serving teachers. (B) FROM THE NUT The N.U.T. publishes from time to time reports, leaflets, booklets, and guides which are of considerable interest and value to teachers. An up-to-date list of these publications may be obtained from Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1 H 9BJ. The Times Education Supplement is published weekly by Times Newspapers and reports educational developments and thinking in Great Britain . It is available from your newsagent. Education is the weekly journal of the Association of Education Committees of England and Wales , and carries articles on all aspects of the education service. It , is available in libraries. Government Publications. All official educational documents such as Statutory Rules & Orders, Orders in Council, Statutory Instruments, Reports, Surveys and Statistical Digests may be purchased from the Government Bookshop, Belfast . Department of Education circulars are available from Department of Education. Members will find visits to the local City/Town Hall and to the tourist office useful, as their publications can be very valuable in the teaching situations. The U. T.U. News and other publications listed in this booklet will be of value to you in that they will bring to you news of all the fresh developments in education taking place throughout the country, an account of the doings of specialised bodies concerned with education, and expert reviews of books of interest to teachers in general and to subject specialists. But reading is not enough. You will also want opportunities to meet colleagues working in other schools, to tryout new materials for yourself, to discuss new methods with experienced subject teachers, and even to completely reconsider your fundamental approach to a subject. To achieve this you will want to , consider attending U.T.U. Branch meetings and refresher courses. ~

Watch your staffroom notice board for information about courses run by the 1 Department of Education, the extra-mural board of the University serving your area, and by your own local authority. You will also be able to attend conferences organised by the U.T.U. on special educational issues.