PROPOSED REVISIONS TO TEACHERS’ PENSIONS

The nature of these proposals is almost identical to the detail which was outlined at Congress in May, and which has been discussed and approved by Salaries and Conditions of Service Committee.

As a result, the advice of the Association is currently to recommend the proposals. Council will have the opportunity to hear a report on this on Saturday 7 October and to approve a course of action. You will hear further details of this after Council has met.

During coming months, there will be a variety of initiatives by the Association to alert members to the impact of the proposed changes, and I will contact you soon with regard to these.

Further advice as regards the effects of the proposals will follow in due course, including specific advice for certain groups of member for whom there are particular issues to address.

For the moment, encouraging responses to the formal Consultation is the priority. The Consultation and the response form can be found on the SPPA website www.sppa.gov.uk/pension_reform/teachers.htm. The closing date for responses is the 5th January 2007.

A summary of the proposals can viewed here.

4 October 2006

PRESS RELEASE - DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

The SSTA today commented on the results achieved by Dumfries and Galloway pupils in the Higher examination diet in 2006. The results were published by the Scottish Executive Education Department earlier this month.

To view the press release click here.

PRESS RELEASE - SSTA CALLS FOR PUPIL ID CARDS

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today called for the introduction of photo ID cards for pupils in Secondary Schools.

To view the press release click here.

PRESS RELEASE - SSTA CALLS FOR END TO EXAM CHEATING - 22 December 2006

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today called on the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Qualifications Authority to act promptly to reduce and possibly eliminate cheating which may exist in our examination system.

To view the press release click here.

PENSION CHANGES 2007 - ADVICE LEAFLETS

The Association has produced a series of advice leaflets regarding the proposed revision to teachers' pensions. The leaflets addresses the effects of the proposals, including specific advice for certain groups of member for whom there are particular issues. The leaflets can be found here

PRESS RELEASE: PETER PEACOCK, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE - 14 November 2006

It is with regret that the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association learned today of the resignation through ill-health of Peter Peacock, Minister for Education and Young People. “While we fully understand the choice he has made”, said David Eaglesham, the Association’s General Secretary, “and wish him future health and happiness, his departure is a significant loss for the education community in Scotland.” [more]

BULLETIN 402/06 16 October 2006

Bulletin 402/06 was issued on 16 October 2006. Click here to view the bulletin.

PRESS RELEASE - SSTA WELCOMES PENSION REFORMS

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA) today welcomed the proposals on revised pensions for teachers which have been issued by the SPPA (Scottish Public Pensions Agency).

“These proposals represent a very positive conclusion to a lengthy period of negotiation about what has been one of the most controversial issues in recent years” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary of SSTA.

Click here to view the full press release

4 October 2006

GLOBAL TEACHERS PROGRAMME

Summertime for many teachers is a time to kick back, relax and recharge before another school year begins. But at least two SSTA members are spending their summer holidays travelling to destinations around the world to share their knowledge and skills with fellow teachers. [Further information]

Margaret Mackay, a teacher at Lochgelly High School, spent five weeks in a rural community in the Dedza district of Malawi. She will work alongside the Head and staff at the local school where classes have over 100 pupils and minimal resources. Read about some of Margaret's experiences here.

SCOTTISH RETIRED TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION

The Association has been asked by the Scottish Retired Teachers' Association to encourage membership of that body and to intimate the forthcoming publication of the latter's "History of the Association". All retired teachers, or those about to retire should contact Douglas Currie for further information. His contact details appear in this article on the S.R.T.A.

SQA EXAMINATIONS - 2006

Any member wishing to comment on any SQA exam may do so by printing this document and sending the completed form to the General Secretary at address at the bottom of the page.

TEACHERS' PENSIONS - OUTCOME OF NEGITIOATIONS

To view the outline points of the recommendation of changes to the Teachers Pension Scheme click here. The view the full recommendations by the DfES click here.

BULLETIN 401/06 30 MAY 2006

Bulletin 401/06 was issued on 30 May 2006. Click here to view the bulletin.

62nd ANNUAL CONGRESS 2006 - 12/13 MAY 2006

The Association's Annual Congress was held on the 12 & 13 May at the Hilton Coylumbridge, Aviemore. Details of motions passed, President's Address and the General Secretary's Report are now available for your information

BULLETIN 400/06 14 March 2006

Bulletin 400/06 was issued on 14 March 2006. Click here to view the bulletin.

WARNING ON TEACHER SHORTAGE

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today issued a warning to all local authorities about the effects of the treatment of cover teachers on long-term shortages.

To view the full press release click here

5 January 2006

CENSUS OF NEW TEACHERS REQUIRED

The Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association today called on the Scottish Executive to undertake a rolling census of new entrants to initial teacher education and to teaching service.

“We need to have a more comprehensive picture of what is happening to the supply of teachers in Scotland,” said David Eaglesham, General Secretary of the SSTA. “At present, we do not adequately track the destinations of all those who enter training for teaching service. We need to know just what the effective retention rate is to ensure that we avoid future shortages.”

To view the full press release click here

3 January 2006

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