I am Amanda Wood, and I am incredibly honoured and excited to introduce myself as your new member of the Executive.
Hailing from the Hunter Valley Branch of IEU, I bring with me a journey that has been dedicated to teaching, advocacy, and the power of collective action.
My relationship with the IEU started during my days as a student at Newcastle University, where I pursued and completed my bachelor’s degree in primary teaching. Ever since then, I have remained a steadfast union member, firmly believing in the strength that comes from standing together as educators.
Driven by a desire to continuously grow and improve, I pursued a Masters in Education from Charles Sturt University. This furthered my understanding of the education landscape, enabling me to better support my fellow teachers and advocate for their professional development needs.
My teaching adventure has taken me to various corners of this beautiful country. I spent time in the Northern Territory, where I embraced the uniqueness of outback education. Later, I found myself in the vibrant communities of the Lismore Diocese, where I dedicated eight years to shaping young minds and nurturing their growth.
Currently, I serve as a teacher and leader in the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese, and it fills my heart with pride to be part of such a supportive and inspiring educational community.
Outside the realm of education, I cherish my roles as a spouse and a parent to two wonderful children. Finding balance in life has been essential, and my current creative outlet is ceramics. I also love watching sport and taking some time to recharge in our natural environment.
As your General Executive member, my commitment is unwavering. I am determined to amplify the voices of all teachers, ensuring your rights, welfare, and aspirations are at the forefront of our endeavours. Together, we will create an environment that values and empowers educators, fostering a community of mutual support and growth.
I am grateful for the opportunity to represent you all, and I humbly ask for your trust and support as we embark on this journey together. Let us stand united, embrace our collective strength, and make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of teachers in NSW and the ACT.