Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

Category: Information for Members

  • 2018 Pay Update – 9 January 2019

    2018 Pay Update – 9 January 2019

    SNCT Joint Extended Joint Chairs (SSTA, EIS, COSLA and Government) met on Monday 7 January in an attempt to reach a negotiated settlement before the offer is considered by the unions.

    A further version of the December offer was tabled which resolved some anomalies in the previous offer. No further improvements were presented.  For those on the main-grade scale the offer essentially remains the same as the one previously rejected in the consultative ballot (3% plus a further 2% in August), with the addition of 3% for Year 2 (2019/20) and 3% for Year 3(2020/21).

     

    SNCT Teachers’ Side (SSTA, EIS, NASUWT, Voice, ADHS and SLS) met on Tuesday 8 January and rejected the COSLA offer and also recorded a “failure to agree”.  In the absence of an improved offer from COSLA, the SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee will consider its next phase of the campaign including moving to a statutory ballot for strike action.

    In an attempt to agree a settlement, the Teachers’ Side proposed options which would improve the offer for all teachers, but it remains to be seen if these will be taken up. We confirmed our willingness to meet again, as and when required should any improved offer from COSLA / Scottish Government be forthcoming. A further update will be issued next week

     

    Important Information for Members

    As we move to the final stage of negotiation we need to be ready to conduct a ballot of members. It is essential that we have accurate postal addresses and preferred email addresses to ensure members views are recorded.

    In the event of a statutory ballot for industrial action only members who are employed by Local Authorities will be entitled to take part in the ballot. As the dispute and any action can only be taken against an employer not the Government. It is therefore, essential that membership details are correct so that the Association and members taking action are protected legally by the conditions of the statutory ballot.

     

    Members can notify us of any changes to their details by completeing a form at www.ssta.org.uk/updatedetails

  • Election of Vice President 2019-2021

    Election of Vice President 2019-2021

    There are two candidates for the election for Vice President 2019-2021.

    The candidates are:

    Stuart Hunter

    Catherine Nicol

    The Candidates’ Election Statements can be can be downloaded using the link below

    VP Election 2019-2021 – Candidates’ Election Statements

    The election opens on Monday 14th January 2019 and closes at 12noon on Wednesday 30 January 2019.

    Ballot papers are being sent out to members’ home addresses on Monday 14th January 2019.

  • 2018 Pay Update – 20 December 2018

    2018 Pay Update – 20 December 2018

    2018 Pay Update – 20 December 2018

     

    Following on from a meeting of the SNCT Joint Extended Joint Chairs (SSTA, EIS, COSLA and Government) on Monday 17 December a further meeting took place on Thursday 20 December in an attempt to reach a negotiated settlement.

     

    COSLA and Scottish Government confirmed the revised offer that addressed the need for a universal offer for all teachers at all grades except for Headteachers above £80,000 who are limited to £1,600 increase.

     

    This offer remains short of the SNCT pay claim with the Scottish Government still seeking agreement around a multi-year deal. Discussions took place on suggestions made by teachers side in seeking to improve the value of the offer.

     

    It was agreed to arrange a further meeting of Extended Joint Chairs and this has been set for the afternoon of Monday 7 January 2019. This is seen as the last opportunity to reach a negotiated settlement before the offer is considered by the unions. It has been a long and slow process but please be reassured that SSTA is pursing every avenue to get the best deal for teachers.

     

    The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee are awaiting the outcome of the negotiations and it will then be deciding upon the next steps in the 2018 Pay Campaign. As we move to the final stage of negotiation we need to be ready to conduct a ballot of members. It is essential that we have accurate postal addresses and preferred email addresses.

  • Pre-Retirement Seminars 2019

    Pre-Retirement Seminars 2019

    In conjunction with Stuart McCullough from L-Life Ltd, the SSTA is holding a number of Pre-Retirement seminars at the beginning of 2019.

    These seminars are designed to give guidance to members who are considering retiring in the next few years. Members are advised to gain information that will assist in planning the next step in their future. A list of dates and venues of the seminars is shown below.

    You can book a place at a seminar by clicking on the links below.

     

    The seminar in Glasgow on the 5th February is now fully booked.  An additional Seminar has been added in Glasgow on Thursday 28th February 2019.

    Pre-Retirement Seminar

  • 2018 Pay Update – 17 December 2018

    2018 Pay Update – 17 December 2018

    A meeting of the SNCT Joint Extended Joint Chairs (SSTA, EIS, COSLA and Government) took place on Monday 17 December.

    COSLA and Scottish Government tabled a revised offer, which addressed the need for a universal offer for all teachers to be made. This offer still fell short of the SNCT pay claim and as anticipated Scottish Government was seeking agreement around a multi-year deal.

    The teachers side made a number of suggestions, seeking to improve the value of the offer and both Scottish Government and COSLA have taken these suggestions away for consideration.

    A further meeting of Extended Joint Chairs has been set for the afternoon of Thursday 20 December.

    The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee are awaiting the outcome of the negotiations and it will then be deciding upon the next steps in the 2018 Pay Campaign. The SSTA is determined not to allow the 2018 teachers’ pay rise to be delayed much longer and we need to be prepared for the potential for a postal ballot for industrial action. It is essential that we have accurate postal addresses and preferred email addresses.

    Please update your details with us by completing a form here

  • 2018 Pay Update – 3 December 2018

    2018 Pay Update – 3 December 2018

    Dear Colleagues

    Today’s SNCT Joint Extended Joint Chairs (SSTA, EIS, COSLA and Government) was a deeply disappointing meeting. No new offer was made by Scottish Government and COSLA, despite both acknowledging the strength of the rejection of the previous offer by teachers in the Consultative Ballot. The union side expressed its anger and frustration at their stance.

    We were informed that Government and COSLA are in ongoing discussions around next year’s Scottish Government ‘s budget, including the local government settlement, and they hoped to be in a position to make a fresh offer. The Scottish Budget will be announced on Wednesday 12 December and a meeting of the COSLA leaders is due to be convened on Friday 14 December. It was suggested by Scottish Government and COSLA that this offer could be in the form of a multi-year deal.

    Union side made clear that a multi-year deal had not been part of our considerations and that our view is the 10% claim was justified as a single year settlement. The need for a much improved and undifferentiated offer was emphasised and so was the disappearing “negotiating window” of December.

    A future meeting of the Extended Joint Chairs has been arranged for Monday 17th December 2018.

    The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee are awaiting the outcome of the negotiations and it will then be deciding on the next steps in 2018 Pay Campaign. The SSTA is determined not to allow the 2018 teachers’ pay rise to be delayed much longer and we need to be prepared for the potential for a postal ballot for industrial action. It is essential that we have accurate postal addresses and preferred email addresses.  You can update your details with us by completing a form here

    Best Wishes,

    Seamus Searson

    General Secretary

    Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association

    West End House, West End Place

    Edinburgh EH11 2ED

    Tel: 0131 313 7300

    Website: www.ssta.org.uk

  • Teachers Are Scotland’s Future – SSTA Submission to Career Pathways for Teachers

    Teachers Are Scotland’s Future – SSTA Submission to Career Pathways for Teachers

    The SSTA submitted its vision on the future of the teaching profession in Scotland to the Careers Pathway Teachers Panel. The SSTA is seeking a system that values teachers and their contribution to Scottish society. 

    Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary “It is time for the Scottish Government and employers to stand-up and recognise the important role and contribution that teachers make to Scottish society. Scottish teachers have been keeping the education system afloat despite drastic financial cuts over the last ten years. Teachers have been subjected to continuous change and increasing bureaucracy whilst expectations increase when teachers and education support staff are being reduced. At the same time teachers have seen their salaries and career prospects virtually disappear”.

    “It is no wonder that teachers are leaving and government struggles to find new recruits. Teachers’ salaries have reduced by more than 24% during the period and opportunities for development and promotion have virtually disappeared. The Scottish Government needs to acknowledge that teachers’ working conditions and remuneration have failed to keep pace with the rapidly changing education environment”.

    Kevin Campbell SSTA President said “teaching is increasingly perceived as an unattractive profession with an impossible workload demand, restricted career path and an uncompetitive salary scale.  Addressing the structure of schools and its workforce are essential elements in the Scottish Government challenge to ‘close the attainment gap’. The biggest challenge to teachers in schools is the culture of ever-increasing workloads and meeting an ever-expanding range of pupil needs”.

    The SSTA submission recommends

    The Classroom Teacher

    • A career structure that gives opportunities to gain experience and responsibility that recognises the commitment of the teacher
    • Recognise and reward teachers to focus on teaching and learning
    • Recognise the importance of time to develop strategies and materials for use in the classroom
    • Recognise and reward experienced teachers for using their expertise inside and outside the school

    The Supply Teacher

    • Recognise and reward the expertise of the supply teacher as an integral part of the education system
    • Create a national register of qualified supply teachers to ensure a career path and access to continued professional development

    The Secondary Subject Specialist

    • Recognise and reward lead teachers of subjects in secondary schools
    • Recognise the importance of time to develop strategies and materials for use in the classroom
    • Recognise the need for opportunities for collaboration with other subject specialist in and across schools
    • Recognise and reward lead teachers of subjects for sharing expertise within school and across schools

    The Guidance and Pupil Support Teacher

    • Recognise and reward the importance of guidance and pupil support teachers.
    • Recognise the expertise of these teachers and create a professional career structure that values their expertise in the education service
    • Recognise and reward guidance and pupil support teachers for sharing expertise within school and across schools
    • Offer opportunities with time and pay for aspiring teachers to develop their understanding of, and expertise in, support roles

    (Please see the appendix of the attached submission document for the SSTA Pastoral Pupil Support Survey)

    The Management Structure

    • Introduce a number of realistic management posts that offer opportunities to gain experience and encourage teachers to seek further responsibility.
    • Recognise the importance of management posts being achievable and provided with sufficient non-teaching time to undertake those responsibilities
    • Recognise and reward the principal teacher who manages a number of subject areas and focus their work on supporting teaching and learning in those areas.
    • Recognise and reward posts that manage a number of ‘whole school’ responsibilities
    • Recognise and reward the extent of the increasing responsibilities expected of Depute Headteachers and Headteachers.
    • Create supporting teacher posts to assist the range of responsibilities expected of senior members of teaching staff.

    [Ends]

     

    Attached.  SSTA submission to: Careers Pathway for Teachers Panel

    SSTA Submission to Career Pathways for Teachers – October 2018 

    Further information from

    Seamus Searson
    General Secretary

    0131 313 7300

    27 November 2018

  • 2018 Pay Update – 23 November 2018

    2018 Pay Update – 23 November 2018

    Following the close of the Consultative Ballot a meeting of the SNCT Extended Joint Chairs (SSTA, EIS, COSLA and Government) took place on Thursday 22 November and  negotiations were re-opened. At the meeting, the reasons why the pay offer had been rejected by the vast majority of Scottish teachers and the merits of our pay claim were set out in very clear terms. The need for a much improved and undifferentiated offer was emphasised and the December “negotiating window” was the timescale we referenced.

    The union side expressed its disappointment with the decision of the Government and COSLA to attempt to undermine the negotiations by issuing a letter directly to teachers with inaccurate information. The union side made it clear that this must not happen again. The union side also emphasised its intention to reach a negotiated settlement.

    As the negotiations have resumed it has been made clear to COSLA and Scottish Government that there is an expectation that there will be an improved proposal for discussion at the next meeting.  The next negotiation meeting is scheduled for 3 December.

    As we are approaching a critical time in the 2018 pay campaign we need to be prepared for the potential for a postal ballot for industrial action. It is essential that we have accurate postal addresses and preferred email addresses.  You can update your details with us by completing a form here

  • Pupil and Teacher Workload Out of Control

    Pupil and Teacher Workload Out of Control

    SSTA conducted a survey of members in January 2017 on the changes to National 5 and a further survey in May 2018 following the completion of the new arrangements. 1355 SSTA members responded across all subjects. 87% of teachers saw no reduction in workload as a result of the changes. Teachers also reported a 57% increase in the workload of pupils.

    Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary said

    “The Ministers intention to reduce pupil and teacher workload by removing National 5 Units has resulted in an increase in teacher workload. This was caused by changes to National 5 that included extended papers, new exam papers and new coursework. SSTA said when the changes were introduced in January 2017 that workload was not being reduced but spread to other parts of the qualification process. SSTA has continually sought a focus on teacher professional judgment. However, the changes have led to more ‘sticks to beat teachers with”.

    “The SSTA surveys show the continuing increase in teacher and pupil workload but more worryingly the potential damage we are doing to our pupils. It is those pupils who are in the middle ability range that are being penalised the most having to complete unnecessary additional units. This takes place during a very stressful time for pupils in the run-up to the examinations. The SSTA saw a 57% increase in pupil workload and members saw an increase of 67% in pupil stress”.

    “The Minister’s recent announcement that ‘fallback’ will end in 2019 is not being seen by teachers as a measure to reduce teacher and pupil workload. The drive for statistics has not been tackled, therefore, the requirement for teachers to deliver units for most pupils will continue unabated”.

    “The National Qualification system should assess young people at the appropriate time (when leaving school) and assessing them in an appropriate way (assessing what pupils can do and know, not the work undertaken by the teacher). The drive for statistics to measure how successful the education system is ignoring what is in the best interests of the pupils. We need to appreciate pupil’s hard work and their achievements.  We must put the joy of education and a big pupil smile at the end of a school day as an important factor of education.”

    “SSTA predicted that teacher workload would not be reduced and it would put additional pressure on teachers and pupils. We are creating ‘examination factories’ not places of learning where happiness is seen as a good and valued thing”.

    “Units at National 5 were to be removed but we find that schools and local authorities are demanding they are retained as evidence of work undertaken during the course. The units are an unnecessary burden on both pupils and teachers. The SSTA will be issuing guidance to its members NOT to undertake units as part of their teaching schemes unless the pupil is NOT to be entered for the examination. The ‘belt and braces’ approach to education needs to stop and teacher professional judgement and appropriate presentation must be the only option”.

    “The National Qualification system needs to be reviewed the present system is not working for our pupils. The conflict between broad general education and the senior phase needs to be resolved. National qualifications have become “never mind the quality feel the width”. The situation of National 4 must be addressed urgently and the premise that is a stepping stone to National 5 is simply not justified as the majority of pupils are not progressing to National 5. We need a system that primarily focuses on teacher professional judgement without the workload heavy, bureaucratic and administrative nonsense we have now”.

     

    Changes to National 5 Survey

    The SSTA survey of the proposed changes to National 5 in January 2017 predicted increased workload across all subjects for teachers. (These are shown in black on the attached sheet). The timing of the changes and the lack of preparation time and materials just added to the concerns.

    Following the completion of the National 5 Course in May 2018 the SSTA conducted a survey on the impact of the changes. 1355 SSTA members responded across all subjects. (These are shown in red on the attached sheet).

    The results showed:

    The overall impact on Teacher Workload

    87% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (67% members seeing an increase in workload and a further 20% of members had seen no reduction in workload).

     

    The removal of units

    68% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (34% members seeing an increase in workload and a further 34% of members had seen no reduction in workload)

    • 81% of Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (58% increase and 23% no reduction).
    • 79% Design and Manufacture teachers saw no reduction in workload (42% increase and 37% no reduction)
    • 77% of Chemistry teachers saw no reduction in workload (36% increase and 41% no reduction)
    • 77% of Art and Design teachers saw no reduction in workload (41% increase and 36% no reduction)
    • 63% of History teachers saw no reduction in workload (24% increase and 39% no reduction)

     

    The extending of the exams

    82% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (53% members seeing an increase in workload and a further 29% member had seen no reduction in workload)

    • 97% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (74% increase and 23% no reduction)
    • 95% of Physics teachers saw no reduction in workload (51% increase and 44% no reduction)
    • 93% of History teachers saw no reduction in workload (77% increase 16% no reduction)
    • 88% of Business Management teachers saw no reduction in workload (62% increase and 26% no reduction)
    • 88% of Art and Design teachers saw no reduction in workload (78% increase and 10% no reduction)

     

    The changes to coursework

    73% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (49% seeing an increase in teacher workload with a further 24% seeing no reduction) 

    • 92% Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (80% increase and 12% no reduction)
    • 88% of Chemistry teachers saw no reduction in workload (61% increase and 27% no reduction)
    • 87% Administration and IT teachers saw no reduction in workload (53% increase and 34% no reduction)
    • 83% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (70% increase and 13% no reduction)

     

    New question paper

    72% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (48% seeing an increase in teacher workload with a further 24% seeing no reduction)

    • 91% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (65% increase and 26% no reduction)
    • 89% of Graphics teachers saw no reduction in workload (59% increase and 30% no reduction)
    • 88% RMPS teachers saw no reduction in workload (75% increase and 13% no reduction)
    • 87% of Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (68% increase and 21% no reduction)
    • 81% of History teachers saw no reduction in workload (67% increase and 14% no reduction)

     

     

    New item of coursework

    56% of members saw no reduction in teacher workload

    (40% seeing an increase in teacher workload with a further 16% seeing no reduction)

    • 97% of Administration and IT teachers saw no reduction in workload (78% increase and 19% no reduction)
    • 86% of French teachers saw no reduction in workload (73% increase and 13% no reduction)
    • 82% of Computing teachers saw no reduction in workload (67% increase and 15% no reduction)
    • 69% of Biology teachers saw no reduction in workload (57% increase and 12% no reduction)

     

    Impact on pupils

    Pupil Workload – members have seen a 57% increase in pupil workload

    • History 84%, Modern Studies 81%, Woodwork 81%, Music 79%, Design and Manufacture 79%, Computing 74%

     

    Pupil Stress – members have seen a 67% increase in pupil stress

    • History 95%, Woodwork 90%, Modern Languages 89%, RMPS 87%, Modern Studies 84%, French 82%, Computing 81%, Art and Design 77%, Administration and IT 76%, Maths 63%,

     

    Qualification Success –     members are expecting a 28% decrease in qualification success

    • Practical Woodwork 71%, Design and Manufacture 50%, History 47%, Computing 44%, Maths 35%,

     [ends]

    Survey Findings are in the attached PDF. “SSTA Survey – Nat 5 Changes”

                                                                                            

  • SSTA Consultative Ballot – The Members have Spoken

    SSTA Consultative Ballot – The Members have Spoken

    The SSTA conducted a Consultative Ballot on the 2018 Teachers’ Pay Offer. The SSTA Consultative Ballot closed on Tuesday 20 November. The majority of SSTA members participated in the ballot electronically with a small number of members requesting a postal ballot. Ballots were issued to 6,487 members with 4,729 members participating in the ballot. The response rate was 73%. 97% of respondents rejected the offer with only 3% prepared to accept the pay offer.

    Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary said “I congratulate SSTA members across Scotland for a tremendous response in the ballot and giving a resounding rejection of the pay offer. The Government and Employers have underestimated teachers and tried to create division within different grades of teachers. With 97% of respondents rejecting the pay offer is a strong message to the Government as to the feelings of teachers. It is time for Government to return to the negotiating table and treat teachers with respect and seek a meaningful settlement. The SSTA looks forward to productive talks at the negotiating table in the coming days”.

    Kevin Campbell SSTA President added “The SSTA members have spoken. A decisive 97% rejection on a 73% response to the ballot is a credit to SSTA members and their commitment to the restoration of teacher pay levels. Teachers need a sufficient pay rise not only to recruit teachers but more importantly retain those excellent teachers we already have in our schools. Our pupils need highly trained, experienced and committed teachers in every classroom. A substantial pay rise in 2018 would be a fantastic boost to the profession”.

    Seamus Searson added “It needs to be remembered that the Government and COSLA ended negotiations back in October but now they must be prepared to negotiate to avoid an escalation of the dispute and the potential for industrial action. The SSTA Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee is due to meet on Thursday 29 November to consider the result of the ballot. The Committee will receive the latest news on the negotiations before determining the next step in the SSTA Pay Campaign.”.

    [ENDS]

    Further information from
    Seamus Searson
    General Secretary
    0131 313 7300