Benefits Of Joining Teachers Unions

During your initial teacher training and your induction year, you may be swamped with information and fliers inviting you to join a teachers union. There are a number of unions to choose from. Who you choose is ultimately up to you. You do not have any obligation to join a union, although it is generally a very good idea. A union is your professional insurance policy inside the classroom.

Joining a union will give you a number of benefits:

1. Legal advice and representation should you ever need it.
2. A valuable and practical support service you can turn to if you have any queries or concerns.
3. Discounts on commercial services, such as cheaper car, home and travel insurance or credit card offers.
4. The chance to make your opinions count and be involved with national teaching issues and campaigns.
5. Trade union and professional training and information opportunities, often at a reduced cost.

Many unions will offer you discounted or free rates when you are a student or during your early years. Membership rates vary depending on how you choose to pay and at what stage you are at in your career.

After joining a union you can expect to receive a monthly newspaper or magazine, as well as full access to members-only restricted areas on their websites. You should be advised as to who is your local union representative, and provided with contact details in case you need to request their services. You should also be kept fully up to date with changes or improvements to the union, and any campaigns or action they are undertaking on behalf of teachers.

Your union representative will be able to advise you on a number of concerns, such as pay and conditions, health and safety at work, behavior management tips, and medical and disability issues, including stress or anxiety at work. He or she will also be able to give you legal advice and representation should you need it.

Remember: some of the larger unions have millions of members and are often very busy. If you need immediate help or advice, there are a number of helpline numbers you can contact to discuss your worries.

If you are dissatisfied with your union or do not feel that they are helping or supporting you as much as you believe they should, you are entitled to make a complaint or cancel your membership.

The strength of any union lies in its members and their commitment to each other. You may find it beneficial to become more involved with your union, or even volunteer to become a union representative.

By: Jim S Dean

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Jim S. Dean is a stay at home father, freelance writer, and webmaster with an interest in a wide range of subjects. Visit his latest website Room Escape Games.