Starting Strong forum eases anxieties

More than 5.0 preservice teachers who attended the IEU’s Starting Strong Forum on 3 July had some anxieties eased by the presentations on offer.

The preservice teachers, who came from universities all over NSW (with one even from Griffith University online), heard IEU General Secretary John Quessy explain what the Union could offer them now and when they start their careers.

IEU Professional Officer Amy Cotton explained the BOSTES accreditation process and what the IEU can do to help teachers through it.

Guest Principals Des Fox of St Jerome’s Catholic Primary School Punchbowl and Margery Jackman previously of Catherine McAuley High School Westmead and Ian Alchin, Services Development Manager, Community Connections Solutions Australia, explained what a good CV should look like and what not to do in an interview.

Teachers Alexander Wharton and Alexander Snoek of William Clarke College Kellyville supplied some great tips on surviving your first year of teaching, including where to go for help, managing your work/life balance, dealing with difficult people and working in the school environment.

IEU Industrial Officer Amanda Hioe also conducted a workshop on how the Union assists with contracts of employment and industrial agreements.

Australian Catholic University preservice teacher Rosemary Carroll (pictured bottom right) said the forum was a great opportunity to access advice and up to date information from a range of experts across the education sector.

“The insights shared by the experienced principals have made me much more confident with job applications and interviews and thanks to Amy’s presentation I have a greater understanding and less anxiety about the BOSTES accreditation process,” Rosemary said.

“It’s great to know about the support the IEU can offer me in my early year teaching career.”

Charles Sturt University preservice teacher Hannah Fletcher said the train journey down from Orange was worthwhile as she got a lot from the day.

“I learnt a lot about what the Union can offer and it was good to get some tips about my CV and interviews,” Hannah said.

“I really enjoyed the workshop with early career teachers talking about their first year of teaching.”

Hannah was inspired to join the IEU as her 80 year old grandfather Peter Lonergan was one of the founding members of the IEU’s predecessor the AMMA, and her mother Catherine Lonergan was a long time member.