Due to a clerical error in the preparation of the ballot papers a small number of members will receive duplicate papers. Unfortunately we have not been able to identify exactly who received duplicate copies of the papers. We ask that members who do receive duplicate papers disregard them. The number of duplicate ballot papers issued should have no real impact on the result of the ballot. Before any formal action is taken we will hold a formal ballot under TU…

As an additional service to members and as a result of enquiries we have created a timesheet which can be used to record your working time during the year.   The spreadsheet programme does the calculations for you and new copies can be downloaded from here. Our most recent survey showed that many members are working in excess of 45 hours per week.   This will allow you to maintain a record for your own use.   It will also…

Dear Colleagues The indicative ballot closed at midnight on Wednesday 26 January 2011.   Part 1 related to ballot verification then two questions were asked.   The response to questions 2 & 3 were: 2. In the event of compulsory redundancies: 64.4% in favour of a ballot on action including strike action 35.6% in favour of a ballot on action short of strike action 3. In the event of a pay cut being imposed: 80.5% in favour of a ballot…

Dear Colleagues You may have been asked to communicate with pupils via electronic means during this inclement weather enabling staff to work from home in severe weather and avoid possible injury attempting to travel to a building already closed to pupils.     Some schools even ask staff to use electronic means to distribute, discuss and mark homework.     This type of communication should only be undertaken using the authority Intranet.   Properly set up and monitored intranet systems…

The Association has become aware of the behaviour of a company, who run a web-site containing the term “teaching resources”, have caused considerable concern within the teaching profession. Their web site offers teachers a chance to 'trial' PSHE resources. However, only in the very (easily missed) small print of the terms and conditions is it explained that, after the 14 day trial, schools will be automatically invoiced for a two year contract with the company. This will only be stopped…

Due to the recent bad weather the meeting of Council due to take place on Saturday 4 December has been cancelled.   The meeting is being rescheduled to take place at St Colm's Church Hall, Dalry Road, Edinburgh on Saturday 15 January 2011 at 10.30am. The General Secretary will e-mail Council members over the coming weekend with news of any updates or urgent business.

The Scotsman (By FIONA MACLEOD) – 28/10/10 01:02 THE high number of teachers unable to find jobs has been blamed on "cavalier" councils and over-recruitment to teacher training universities by education secretary Michael Russell. After being grilled at the education committee yesterday,   Mr Russell was accused of giving a "grudging" apology to the hundreds of teachers unable to find work. Full story available from The Scotsman

The Association is attending the STUC There is a Better Way the March and Rally taking place in Edinburgh 23rd October 2010. Any members wishing to attend the march can join the Association's official delegation. Details of the meeting place and timings of the march are detailed below. 10.45 am: Meet in Princes Street Garderns by the Scott Monument. 11.00 am: Make our way to the march assembley point on East Market Street. 11.30 am: March off. 12.30 pm: Rally…

Dear Colleagues, You may have been aware of recent attacks on this organisation by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Mike Russell. Long memories are a rare asset in politics.   Mr Russell was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 as a list MSP.   He was elected by 27.8% of the 58% who voted, perhaps 15% of the electorate. The Cabinet Secretary has felt it necessary to twice mention the SSTA in his recent pronouncements.   The cynic among…

Join Now and get 50% OFF Subscription Fees for the First 12 months. We believe that it is essential that the views of secondary teachers are firmly represented.   Secondary teaching is not simply more specialised primary teaching.   The current problems associated with CfE should make this clear.   If you wish your views as a secondary teacher to be fully represented, there is only one union you can join.   Join the SSTA now! Every member has direct…