Elect Martin Powell-Davies: 

Defending Teachers, Defending Education

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8 June 2004

A report from Andy Pryor, Bristol NUT:

Martin's election campaign took him to Bristol on Monday June 7th where he met NUT members from Brislington School.

Among the issues raised by members at the meeting were the divisiveness of performance management and the opportunities it provides for payment by results, how to mobilise other teaching unions behind/alongside the NUT, the need for a clear lead on how to tackle issues relating to work-life balance, pupil behaviour and pensions.

Martin was also asked about his pledge to receive only the wage of an ordinary classroom teacher instead of the inflated salary of NUT General Secretary. Martin pointed out that the money saved would be used to help fight campaigns on behalf of members.

It was clear in the course of the meeting and from comments afterwards that Martin's efforts to get out to schools and discuss with classroom teachers was a breath of fresh air.

Members seemed to grow in confidence having had the chance to talk to someone who promised to be "a teacher leading teachers", someone who is still teaching himself and who therefore understands their day to day difficulties. One member pointed out that it is easy to feel intimidated by the pressure heaped on teachers.

If you admit to having difficulties you can appear to be a bad teacher. Martin's comment that exhausted teachers do not make good teachers and that teachers need to be empowered to limit their own workload clearly struck a chord. Another member made the point that in Ireland it is much more difficult for government and management to impose upon teachers because the unions are more confident and clear in their stance. The NUT should be doing more.

If this meeting is indicative of the general mood among classroom teachers then Martin can expect support wherever he gets the chance to put his message across. People left the meeting indicating that they would support Martin and that they would discuss with colleagues.