‘New super-union for teachers is an education game changer’

supported workforce that can build a better relationship with them in promoting the sort of education sector everyone wishes to see.

This presents a real opportunity to bring together everyone in their workplaces – teachers, lecturers, support staff, heads and managers – and empower them to improve their working lives. That will only be a positive thing for the pupils who will always be at the heart of the agenda for NEU members.

This can also be a positive thing for policymakers, the Welsh Government, local government and other stakeholders. They know in future that dealing with the NEU gives them a platform to speak directly to the vast majority of education professionals in Wales.

There will be no better resource for seeking frontline feedback and expertise, there will be no better avenue for forging partnerships which can implement policies effectively or listen to the concerns of the sector. The NEU will essentially be the primary go-between for those creating the political agenda and those tasked with implementing that vision in classrooms across the country.

At a time when teachers across the UK continue to fight for fair pay and pensions – and here in Wales face the significant challenge of rolling out curriculum and qualifications reforms – there has never been a more important time to make the sector’s voice heard.

Pulling in different directions has often undermined the implementation of national priorities and has undermined the effectiveness of teachers, lecturers and wider school or college staff to ensure their legitimate concerns are acknowledged and acted upon. Educational professionals need greater unity and the NEU will be there to provide it.