Here at the SSTUWA, the Growth Team provides specialised support to new educator members. Here are the top five things we think every first year graduate needs to know.

1. You should receive a start up allowance of $1,600 (pro-rata) in your first or second paycheck of the year. This is paid via payroll, and should be paid again at the start of your second year of teaching, too.

Keep an eye on your first few pay slips, and if you don’t see this come in, check in with your manager of corporate services for advice.

2. Your school has been paid funding to support you as a graduate teacher. Your school should have $150 that you can use to purchase curriculum materials for you to keep.

There should also be funding for eight days of additional graduate release time over your first year, which might be taken as entire days or scheduled as additional weekly release time.

Finally, there is funding to pay a relief teacher to send you on your mandatory graduate modules (or pay you if you complete your modules online, or during a weekend or school holidays), plus a contingency allowance to pay for any costs associated with attendance.

3. You should only be required to undertake internal relief by your agreement. Under the 2021 General Agreement (Clause 25.4), the use of graduate teachers for internal relief should be by agreement with the graduate teacher. This is in recognition of the additional workload of a brand new teacher having to navigate much of the work and processes of teaching for the first time.

As a graduate teacher, it’s important to be proactive about this entitlement - make a time to discuss your availability for internal relief with your principal or relief coordinator as early in the school year as possible.

4. Once you’ve completed Graduate Module 1, you can request to join the In-Class Coaching Program. You will be allocated a teaching and learning coach from Statewide Services who will meet with you regularly for confidential, non-judgmental coaching.

This is fantastic for building the skills of reflective practice, and super helpful for transitioning to full registration as well. What’s more, this program is provided entirely free of charge.

5. If you have any questions or concerns about your working conditions, you can access support from your union. Make sure you introduce yourself to your union rep and attend a branch meeting, and remember you can speak to your rep or call Member Assist (9210 6060) to help you navigate any issues you might have with your working conditions.

Plus, for new educator specific support, advice and news, don’t forget to read the new educator article in each Western Teacher, check out your NEN news emailed monthly, and join the New Educator Network – WA Facebook group.