I signed up for the annual LGBT convention in Birmingham, not knowing what to expect... I went alone and within an hour of my arrival had made 8 new friends, all of a similar age and all in a similar position.
Following on from the enjoyable LGBT convention, I wanted to become more involved in the union, so I signed up for the annual conference and went down to Birmingham again.
The experience was incredible; an amazing chance to network with other colleagues and get to know much more about the union but most importantly...have a VOICE! The subjects covered, the debates, the seminars and workshops available were all interesting and useful.
Having had this experience, I am now looking at becoming much more involved and getting my voice heard. The NASUWT feels like a family and attending these national events makes you feel worthwhile.
If you want to find out more and make contacts and friends from all over the UK, then I suggest you make your first move today and join in with one of the NASUWT’s friendliest local associations!
Claire - Norham CTC
I attended the NASUWT conference for the first time. Not an easy decision, as like many others I am a mother; I knew that to be able to attend I was going to have to take my children with me. After much consideration I decided to go.
This was the best decision I’ve made for ages, I cannot praise the crèche for children aged 0-16 highly enough. This kids club is provided, free of charge, to participants and provides healthy meals and an excellent range of age appropriate activities. My children (aged 4 & 10) loved it.
I’ve only recently become more active in the NASUWT and to be honest I was a bit nervous about not understanding what was going on. I shouldn’t have worried as each year the conference offers a workshop for new delegates explaining the format and I was supported by our own North Tyneside members. I was proud to witness our members speaking at conference.
I left feeling empowered. I was reminded that being part of the NASUWT is more than having an insurance policy guarding against something going wrong at work. It really is an opportunity to network with other people going through similar experiences (both good and bad). The more I get involved the more I enjoy the feeling of camaraderie and friendship.
I am looking forward to next year and would recommend for anyone to give it a go. The union isn’t just about attending meetings (although this is important and you really do count!), it’s also an opportunity to make friends and socialise.
Dorothy – Monskseaton High
My first experience at the NASUWT was an exciting and very informative experience. There were a number of interesting debates to follow over the four days. This included a keynote speech from Paula Roe the new president of the union for 2012. Her speech was inspiring and uplifting although I can’t say I was left feeling especially reassured about what the future holds for those of us working in the teaching profession.
Perhaps the most useful part of the whole NASUWT experience was learning about the issues faced by members. Any member of the union is entitled to put forward a motion to be brought up at the conference and I was touched by the issues covered; many apply to us today in a profession that is constantly undermined by the present government and the media.
There was also time to spend exploring the city of Birmingham often with colleagues from different schools in the North East.
The whole experience was new, exciting and enjoyable and I made a lot of new friends who I plan to see at future events that the NASUWT has planned.
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