As a new educator member, you know that your union has got your back with support, advice and protection.

However, for your membership to be valid it must be the correct type for your work or study situation.

There are different types of memberships for those studying to become a teacher, working as a relief teacher, working part-time or working full-time.

Plus, if you are working with limited registration, you can access our discounted untrained teacher membership rate.

If you’re studying to be a teacher, you’re eligible for a student membership.

This provides you with advice and support from Member Assist and the Growth Team, exclusive discounts and promotions, access to the New Educator Network, training and professional development opportunities and, of course, a subscription to the Western Teacher Magazine.

This level of membership also covers you during your unpaid practical placements.

However, once you start working in the classroom, your needs change and you’ll need to upgrade your membership.

Financial membership ensures you have access to legal advice, industrial support, workers’ compensation advice, free or discounted legal services and journey accident cover.

Just like health insurance, or home insurance, you need to join before you have an issue!

It also allows you to participate in the democratic processes of the SSTUWA, at a branch, district and state level. For example, you’ll have the right to vote on the new Agreement.

If you are working as a relief teacher, even if you are still completing your degree, you need to have a casual membership with the SSTUWA.

This is a special flat rate of $10.95 each fortnight (at time of publishing), that allows you to work as much or as little relief as you like, while still giving you the same coverage as any fully financial member.

If you are working on a full or part-time contract on Limited Authority to Teach, or are a Teach for Australia associate, you can access our special untrained teacher membership subscription rate.

Once you have completed your degree and have started work as a fully trained teacher you can transition again to a rate based on your work fraction and salary level, ensuring you have the correct level of cover.

For membership rate details and information on transitioning to financial membership, please get in touch with our Membership Team or Growth Team on 9210 6000 or via email: membership@sstuwa.org.au or neweducator@sstuwa.org.au

All our subscription rates are flexible and can be adjusted to suit your changing working needs.

It is important that you keep in contact with us, updating your details as your circumstances change, so that we can ensure you have the best level of coverage at the correct subscription rate.

Not a member yet? What are you waiting for? Visit sstuwa.org.au to learn more and become a union member.