STUDENT TEACHERS

Student teachers qualify for FREE membership of the NUT and Reps are encouraged to inform students on teaching practice in their schools of this benefit. This free student membership is automatically converted to full membership as soon as the student qualifies. (With the first term free of charge).

There is a long list of benefits arising from this membership, which are detailed on the next page. There is an application form which can be photocopied at the end of this handbook. Alternatively, copies of the application form are available from the NUT Office.

TEACHING PRACTICE

Whilst a student teacher is taking a class, the class teacher remains responsible for that class. How the responsibility is exercised will vary depending on circumstances such as the experience of the student, the type of class, the geography of the school, etc. However, the class teacher should not be reassigned to other duties during such lessons, eg put on cover. Neither should the student teacher be asked to fill in for an absent teacher. Proper supervision of the student teacher and the class requires that a class teacher be available to offer assistance.

BULLYING at WORK

Does this affect you or someone you know?

Bullying has become more widespread in schools as stressed managers pass the pressure on. Bullying is not 'effective management'. It should not be tolerated in schools.

Bullying includes

• ignoring or excluding an individual;
• persistent criticism;
• removing or changing areas of responsibility;
• personal insults;
• setting menial or demeaning tasks;
• inconsistent demands;
• setting unrealistic deadlines;
• always shifting the blame;
• sudden rages, often for trivial reasons;
• allocating difficult children or classes.

Bullies often target victims in "sequence" - having subdued one person they then move to another. Is there evidence of bullying at your school? Personal confrontation of a bully is only likely to succeed in the early stages of the problem and victims should seek support.

If you think you may be being bullied :

• Contact the NUT Office for confidential guidance. We would never approach management on your behalf unless you had asked us to, neither would we pressurise you to take action.
• Talk to the NUT Rep or a trusted friend about your experiences.
• Keep a written record of all incidents with the bully including dates and witnesses.
• Some incidents may need reporting to the LEA such as acts of violence, verbal abuse etc. Contact the NUT Office for guidance.
• Ask your NUT Rep to help you to resolve the problem.
• If you think someone else is being bullied offer them support and encourage them to follow these steps.
• If you feel your health is being affected contact Occupational Health for an appointment. (Tel 434771)
• If you need to talk to someone when the NUT office is shut ring teacherline 08000 562561

YOUR UNION CAN HELP

CONTACT THE OFFICE AT:
22 EDMUND ST., BRADFORD.
TELEPHONE: 414664.