Teachers’ Union Warns Violence in Schools Remains Unchecked
Responding to recent media reports highlighting the number of teachers hospitalised as a result of pupil violence, the President of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) has reiterated the union’s long-standing concerns about safety in Scotland’s classrooms. Monique Dreon-Goold, SSTA President, said: “These deeply concerning reports reflect what teachers across Scotland have been telling us […]
SSTA Opposes Falkirk Council’s Proposal on Primary ASN Provision
Union warns plan will harm vulnerable pupils and increase teacher workload The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) has expressed serious concern over Falkirk Council’s proposal to remove all enhanced provision for Primary Additional Support Needs (ASN) and require all primary schools to provide enhanced support. Although the SSTA represents secondary teachers, the union believes it […]
92% OF LESSONS INTERRUPTED BY PUPIL MOBILE PHONES
In the 2023 SSTA survey, 71% of members highlighted that the misuse of mobile phones was having an impact on poor pupil behaviour and learning. The SSTA Education Committee wanted to get further information on the use of mobile phones in school and commissioned a survey to find out members views. The survey took place […]
Children’s Education at Risk by Cutting Teacher Numbers
Children’s Education at Risk by Cutting Teacher Numbers As Scottish Councils are setting education budgets for 2024-2025 the SSTA is receiving reports of education cuts with teachers and educational support staff numbers being reduced. Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary said: “It’s that time of the year again. Teachers are tired of being used as a […]
Education Cuts by Stealth are Hurting Children and Teachers
Seamus Searson SSTA General Secretary said. “Many local authorities have embarked upon a campaign of education cuts by removing education support staff in schools or not replacing them when they leave. This leaves an additional burden upon the teachers in schools who are expected to cover the work of the staff who are no longer […]
SSTA Commends Pupils and Teachers
The SSTA commends all pupils and teachers for all their hard work in overcoming all the difficulties created by the pandemic to record results in this year’s national qualifications. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary, said: “Pupils should be pleased with their hard work, which has shown a determination to succeed. As they receive their results, […]
Secondary Teachers Tell SQA To Think Again
The SSTA conducted a survey of members delivering national qualifications following the SQA announcement that National Qualifications course assessments in session 2023-24 will return to full requirements – including reinstating coursework and exam assessment and the National 4 added value unit. The majority of SSTA members are opposed to the change with only 19% wanting […]
Teachers Face “Aggression Epidemic”
The SSTA Additional Support Needs and Education Committees organised a members’ consultative survey to assess the increasing evidence of disruptive pupil behaviour in secondary schools. 2478 members responding to the survey. The survey revealed both the extent of verbal and physical aggression being faced by teachers in Scottish secondary schools as well as systemic failures to […]
SSTA to Take Two Further Days of Strike Action
The SSTA National Executive has, following another failed SNCT negotiating meeting, authorised two days of strike action on Tuesday 28 February and Wednesday 1 March. The SSTA will be joining members of sister unions in national strike action in a coordinated campaign of industrial action. Seamus Searson, SSTA General Secretary said. “The SSTA has taken […]
SSTA STRIKE ACTION TO GO AHEAD
Press Release – For Immediate Release 6 December 2022 SSTA STRIKE ACTION TO GO AHEAD SSTA members are to go ahead with strikes in secondary schools across Scotland on Wednesday 7 December and Thursday 8 December. Most secondary schools will be closed with some partially open to senior pupils although these schools may have difficulties […]
