Did you know that SSTUWA members have access to five days of paid leave each year to attend union training?

This semester, you have two exciting opportunities to make use of this Trade Union Training leave, with applications for both the State Council Conference Guest Program and National New Educators Conference opening on 11 August.

State Council Conference Guest Program

Twice each year, elected delegates from every district in Western Australia travel to State Council Conference. Here, they form the SSTUWA’s highest decision-making body, spending two days in discussion and debate about the union’s direction and activities.

Delegates also engage in an element of professional development, with past speakers including Ministers for Education, activists and union leaders from across Australia.

This November, new educators in their first five years of teaching are invited to join State Council Conference as guests.

You’ll be paired with a mentor and have the opportunity to observe the proceedings of State Council Conference, meet other new educator unionists and learn more about how and why your union works.

“The friendly members of the New Educator Network made me feel very comfortable. The mentor set up was also great as it helped me get an insider view of the way State Council operates.” - 2022 State Council Conference new educator guest

Pictured on this page are five 2022 State Council Conference guests, who returned this year as elected delegates. Congratulations Simon, Marvi, Shwetha, Zac and Louise (pictured above, left to right).

National New Educators Conference

Each year the branches and associated bodies of the Australian Education Union hold an annual New Educators Conference.

This year the event will be held in Canberra, and we invite new educators in their first five years of teaching to submit an expression of interest to join the SSTUWA delegation.

You will hear from a range of interstate and international guest speakers and get involved in workshops that relate directly to new educator issues. This conference will allow you to become more aware of professional and industrial matters and build a network within the new educator community across Australia.

Expressions of interest for both the 2023 State Council Conference Guest Program and 2023 National New Educators Conference open 11 August and close on 10 September. The next State Council Conference will be held 10-11 November. The National New Educators Conference will be held 18-19 November. Visit the New Educator tab on the SSTUWA website for more information and to apply.