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A global community of new educators

from AEU Journal May 2023

by Australian Education Union (SA Branch)

from AEU Journal May 2023, page 30

Professional Learning

Key points

+ More than 50 new educators from Australia and abroad met in Perth for two days of learning and connection

+ Delegates discussed the importance of union members remaining informed and supportive of LGBTIQ+ issues in their workplaces, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament

+ The new educators conference is a chance to connect with educators from around the world, and feel support and solidarity

The New Educators conference held in Perth last October was an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding and connection with union matters and build professional relationships with teachers from across metro and regional Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Samoa with a focus on public education.

It was fascinating to hear the stories from further afield, discussing working conditions and expectations of teachers around the world. For me, it was a powerful message about the importance of having a strong, connected union. The conference gave us an opportunity to reflect on why we are teachers, the importance of valuing our profession, and the rights awarded to us through the consistent support of our colleagues as a union.

We explored and were empowered to speak about a range of issues affecting early career educators. We spent time focused on the upcoming Yes vote for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, discussing how to navigate this subject with students, colleagues, and the broader community. We looked at how best to support our LGBTQIA colleagues and students, how to 'find our people’, and were given the opportunity to deliver a message to the current federal Minister for Education.

For me, it was an opportunity to discuss critical issues my colleagues and I have faced, learn more about my rights, and understand what I can do to help myself and others. I gained a greater insight as to how the union can support me beyond an Enterprise Agreement. While the conference was an absolute whirlwind and finished all too quickly, I built some great relationships with colleagues and felt incredibly empowered and excited for the future of our profession, my own career, and my future as an AEU member.

EXPLORE CONTEMPORARY INDUSTRIAL, PROFESSIONAL AND WELLBEING TOPICS DIRECTLY RELATED TO EARLY TEACHING CAREERS