So, you’ve just landed your first teaching job. Congratulations, you’ve taken your first steps in an exciting and rewarding profession.
While starting a new job is exciting, it can also be overwhelming, and there may be things you are not sure about. The IEU is here to answer your questions and to provide support and assistance as you navigate your new career.
Starting a new job – FAQs
1. Why should I join the Union?
Joining your union is the most important thing you can do when you start teaching. In doing so you join tens of thousands of your independent school colleagues who together ensure teachers have a strong professional and industrial voice. When teachers stand together, you are strong.
Whether it’s assistance with an individual matter, or a large campaign for your pay and conditions, the IEU is here to support you. Every school has an allocated IEU organiser, and most schools have a school-based union representative to provide advice and support. Union organisers and reps know your school and can provide advice tailored to your workplace.
In addition, union members have access to:
- Expert support for beginning teachers
- Reduced membership rates
- Advice and guidance on pay, contracts, entitlements and other working conditions
- Protection, advocacy and representation if things go wrong
- Professional development and support to grow your skills and confidence
- Organisers and school-based reps to answer questions and help you along the way
When you start at a new school, seek out the union rep so you know who to ask for advice. Whether it’s a question about the timetable, your pay, or the many other questions that beginning teachers have, your IEU rep can help.
2. What happens if something goes wrong?
The union employs experienced organisers and industrial officers to assist members where complaints or allegations are made, or where a beginning teacher is simply feeling overwhelmed and needs support.
Support may include a conversation with a rep or organiser, assistance with a written response, support at a meeting, or further representation. Union representation can make a critical difference when managing employment matters such as performance processes, complaints, or grievances. The union provides absolute confidentiality, and no action is taken until a plan is agreed upon with the member.
The union is unable to assist members with matters that arose prior to joining.
3. Where do I find information about my pay, and other entitlements such as sick leave or parental leave?
No matter where you teach, the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by an award or enterprise agreement. In addition, your contract of employment will outline conditions that are particular to your employer. The IEU can provide information about which agreement, applies to you, and can answer contract questions.
Whether you have questions about your pay, classification, or leave, the union can provide accurate and reliable information. Union members can access information via the website or by speaking with their school-based rep or union organiser. We are here to answer all your questions.
The IEU works collaboratively with our members in all award and enterprise agreement negotiations to make sure the profession is recognised and rewarded. Our focus is on what’s best for you.
4. What should I get paid and how do I progress?
In most agreements, new teachers commence as graduate (band 1) teachers on the pay scale and progress to the next step of the scale after a year of full-time equivalent teaching service.
Once proficient, teachers move to band 2 and continue to progress with each year of service until they reach the top of the scale. A year of service is approximately 204 days depending on the employer.
If you are working with one employer, progression should occur automatically. However, if you are working across multiple employers, it is up to you to provide evidence of all teaching service for the purposes of progression. If you’re not certain, the union can assist you to make sure you are being paid correctly.
Pay scales and information on progression can be accessed on our website. IEU members with pay questions can get help by contacting the union.
5. Am I entitled to additional support as a beginning teacher?
Many employers provide support to beginning teachers via additional release, appointing a mentor, or additional professional learning opportunities. Some schools have release defined in their enterprise agreement.
In some schools this is less clearly defined, and the IEU can assist beginning teachers to discuss appropriate supports with your employer. If you are not receiving support as a beginning teacher, talk to your school about what support is available. If you still have questions or need support, you can speak with your union rep or organiser.
6. How do I know if my contract is permanent or temporary?
Your contract should state clearly whether the position is permanent or temporary. Contracts should only be temporary in certain circumstances so you should always ask the reason for a temporary contract.
While awards and enterprise agreements allow for temporary and casual employment, such contracts must still comply with certain provisions e.g. replacing a teacher on leave or performing other duties. Teachers who are not certain about why they are on a temporary contract should first ask their employer and then speak with the union.
Remember, regardless of the type of contract, employees do not have access to unfair dismissal provisions in the first 6 months of employment. Beginning teachers should regularly engage with a mentor or leader to ensure that you are on the right track.
7. Can the union assist me with my accreditation?
The union employs specialist staff who can assist teachers experiencing difficulties with accreditation or NESA. Contact the union if you require assistance or have questions about the process.
8. Should my school provide professional development?
Most employers recognise that professional development is a shared responsibility of the employer and employee and facilitate professional development via pupil free days or staff meetings. Professional learning that is mandated by the employer (such as first aid and child protection) should generally be offered within regular work hours.
9. Can I be asked to attend school outside of regular work hours?
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10. Does the IEU have any partnerships?
The union has proud partnerships with