The Association has created a new closed peer support network on Facebook which is open to all members who are in their first 10 years of their career. The New to Teaching Network is: open to all teachers (in the first 10 years of their career irrespective of age), NQTs and student members a peer to peer web based community on Facebook for new teachers sharing, advice and help. a social grouping that can meet in various activities outwith the…

The result of the ballot for the post of General Secretary is shown below. The ballot closed at noon on Friday 1 May. Candidate   Valid votes cast Ann Ballinger  1069 George Sturrock  817 Spoiled papers 3 Turnout  27.5% Ann Ballinger will therefore serve as General Secretary until 2014. The full result as detailed in the balloting agent's report will be sent to all members via a bulletin following Congress later this month. JIM DOCHERTY Acting General Secretary

Margaret Smith, District Secretary in Fife and member of Executive and Council will be the Association's Vice-President for the period 2009-2011. She defeated Richard Goring, also a member of Executive and Council, in the recent ballot. We extend our congratulations to Margaret and commiserations to Richard. The report of the balloting agent, Electoral Reform Services, is below. ELECTION OF VICE PRESIDENT 2009-2011 Our report of voting for the above election which closed today at noon is as follows: Number of…

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association is Scotland's second largest teachers' trade union, serving the needs of secondary teachers throughout Scotland. The Association seeks to appoint its most senior official following the retirement of the current post holder. The post is based in Edinburgh. Candidates should be able to display leadership and innovation and have a genuine interest in education and the welfare of its practitioners. A background in trade unionism is desirable but not essential. The post of General Secretary…

SCHOOL ESTATE STRATEGY WORKING GROUP Report of the Accounts Commission: Improving the School Estate The SSTA would comment on the Report as follows. Too little attention is given in the Accounts Commission Report to the concerns raised by those working in new and refurbished schools, the vast majority of which were built or adapted under some PPP/PFI initiative. The study accepts that these schools could generally "be better designed". The obvious question is "why did this happen?" The report does…

In view of the industrial action by public sector unions on 20 August the following advice is offered to members. 1. HTs are likely to be viewed as "keyholders" and thus can be expected to open the school and close it at the end of the day. 2. On days of industrial action by other employee groups the employer has the right to be clear that no teacher is taking secondary action. Any member who is prevented from attending work…

CLASS SIZES, STAFFING & RESOURCES WORKING GROUP The Final Report of the of the Class Sizes, Staffing & Resources Working Group is now available to view at the Scottish Government website.

SURVEY ON INDISCIPLINE - MAY 2003 The results of the Associations survey of members on "Indiscipline in Schools" is now available. Copies of the report have been distributed to school representatives. Survey on Indiscipline 2003

GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT - February 2004 The latest version the General Secretary's Report can be view here (pdf). The SEED Support Staff Survey mentioned in the report can be view here

GENERAL SECRETARY'S REPORT - MARCH 2003 The General Secretary's Report has been distributed to all members of the Association. To view the report click here.