Hello all, and a special big welcome to all our first time FLARE readers.

FLARE is the Queensland Teachers’ Union e-newsletter for teachers in their first three years of teaching and all associate student members.  My name is Lynn Cowie-McAlister, and I am the QTU officer responsible for new educators.

Union Rep’s Conference a huge success for new educators

On Friday March 5, 13 new educators attended the QTU Union Representatives Conference at the Brisbane Convention Centre, where they got the chance to take part in a range of workshops, both professional and industrial.

Among these was a workshop specifically targeted at new teachers, during which they lead discussions on topics such as the direction the Union should take in the wake of the achievements of EB6, access to QTU forums for new educators, and the support mechanisms they need to help them in their activism.

Everybody was extremely succinct in putting their views, which will help the Union in developing new educator strategies.

After the conference, the new teacher team stayed on to observe the QTU’s State Council, gaining an insight into how it works and seeing at first hand just how democratic the Union’s decision making processes are.

All in all it was an exhausting two days, but a fantastic learning experience for all involved.

To read the perspective of one new educator participant click here.

Recruit, recruit, recruit

The recruitment of new educators across the state has been a major focus for the QTU over the past few weeks. If you are reading this, you are already a financial or associate student member, but there are a number of your colleagues who have not joined us, and they are putting themselves at risk. 

As well offering legal protection, the QTU also plays a pivotal role in both the professional and industrial spheres, ensuring our profession remains strong. And with the national agenda currently dominating the headlines, it is more vital than ever that teachers are heard.

I would strongly urge you to speak to any new educators in your school who are not yet members of the QTU. Explain your reasons for joining and encourage them to do likewise.

The easiest way to join is online. Go to the join page on our website www.qtu.asn.au/join then click on the  links in the sector relevant to you (eg school, TAFE, education student) and follow the prompts.

If you are a paper person, an application form can be downloaded from the same page.

Labour Day

Labour Day celebrations will be held across Queensland on the weekend of May 1-3.  They are very social and fun-filled events that I would heartily encourage all new educator members and associate student members to attend. Family members and friends are also welcome. Details of activities around the state will be put up on our website over the coming weeks.

This is going to be another busy year, and the easiest way to keep up to date with what is going on is by visiting to the QTU website www.qtu.asn.au.  It is packed with the latest information on a huge range of education issues, giving you the tools you need to dispel any of the myths and rumours that tend to circulate in schools and universities.

I look forward to communicating with you for the remainder of the year.

Lynn Cowie-McAlister
QTU Officer responsible for new educators