22 November 2019

NEU member David reports on Creative Curriculums event


On Saturday 16 November, NEU Northern held a CPD session on ‘Creative Curriculums’ led by Nik Jones. Although active in the NEU, I am very new to teaching which meant I went to the session as both a willing helper and attendee. The session provided me with a very inspiring message that I will take with me through my career - we may be constrained by restrictive curriculums, but through creativity we can ‘jump through the hoops’ laid out for us in an inspiring and engaging way. 

As a teacher with middle leader aspirations, this was an incredibly powerful reminder of what we can do as a profession to fight for education for the reasons why we came into the profession - to inspire young people.

The session was well led, highly informative, as well as enjoyable. I would highly recommend this and similar sessions to fellow members of staff in my workplace, professionals in my district, and beyond.

David Moulder
New Professionals and Young Workers Officer, and Vice President
Stockton NEU

18 November 2019

NEU member Jules reports on GAIN weekend

NEU member Jules Courtney-Walker reports on being one of the participants at our recent GAIN weekend (Getting Active In NEU activist development programme)…

On Saturday 9th of November, a group of union members gathered to find out more about how to get active in the union.
Throughout the day, the NEU members focused on creating campaign projects to roll out across the union.
The main issues addressed included; the funding crisis, invisible disabilities and workload issues. All current problems that schools and education staff are facing.
There were three successful projects set up to be run within the next year and we are excited to see them come to fruition.

Some of the comments from the day:

“ A spontaneous idea grew legs and ran”
“ the ideas, passion & enthusiasm for our union that is coming from the GAIN group is refreshing and inspiring.”
“Empowering again, feeling supported by others sharing experiences and planning  for empowering children & staff with invisible disabilities”
“I feel more confident now, and more motivated to be more active”

If you are looking to get more active in the union, please get in touch with Vin Wynne (vin.wynne@neu.org.uk) and you could come along to GAIN and find out how we can support you to make a change!

Participants from our GAIN weekend showing their solidarity for the McStrikers


11 November 2019

NEU Councillors Network – shaping the future of education


Saturday 2nd November saw the first national NEU Councillors Network conference, bringing together cross party councillors from local authorities around the country. 


We had a fantastic and informative day sharing NEU campaigns and policy on a wide number of issues.    Local councillors are the people who are implementing and managing nationally set budgets, initiatives and policies for schools.  The conference was a fantastic opportunity to discuss, inform and empower councillors around a wide range of important issues such as academisation, funding and sex and relationship education. Councillors were provided with ideas, strategies and practical resources such as motions to take back to their authorities to campaign for positive change for pupils and educators learning and working in an increasingly difficult education system.  Councillors left the day both better informed and inspired to help shape the future of education.


Louise Atkinson

Carlisle City Councillor and NEU National Executive Member for the Northern Region




The NEU Councillors Network is a partnership between local councillors of all parties and the National Education Union, to shape the future of education.  The network is open to all councillors. Being a member of the network will give you access to written briefings, regular information about education issues, and access to our events for councillors.  Visit NEU Councillors Network to find out more or become involved. 

06 November 2019

NEU Members Explore Engaging the Disengaged



On Saturday 2nd November, and despite the Rugby World Cup clashing with the event, NEU members enjoyed a session delivered by Author and self-proclaimed “learning geek” Lisa Ashes. Behaviour is a battle that most teachers face early in their career. Lisa talked through a wide range of behavior issues from outright defiance to apathy. The focus of the event was on creating a culture that encourages a thirst for learning in which good learning behaviours come as standard. The morning was practical, fun and full of useful tips and suggestions.


Some comments from participants about the training:

"Lisa was infectious, fun and full of ideas"
"Brilliant, fun and informative session. I would recommend to anyone!"
"Very informative, fun and enriching. I appreciated the chance to share ideas with colleagues and everyone was very nice and friendly. Thank you NEU”
“A very useful session, will definitely have a positive effect on my practice”
“Lovely engaging speaker, really informative without being information overload”