Teaching union rep: It is time to dial down discourse tone and work together to get schooling back

Our teachers and educators fully understand the sacrifices and challenges others have made throughout the society.

Some have lost their jobs, others have seen their work dry-up, many small businesses have folded and many more are on ‘short-time’ or restricted hours.

An unacceptably high number have perished.

Teachers appreciate that they still have their work, albeit largely from home and are still, for the most part, fully paid.

NEU was been critical of the initial response of the UK government, whose ‘Mathusarian’ tactic of ‘herd immunity’ we saw as irresponsible.

We weren’t alone, with the BMA and nursing professional bodies concurring.

We were denied sight of ‘the science’ until Imperial College’s research was leaked. This ideological, Darwinesque, anarchistic push from the libertarian-right set an unfortunate tone from which we should all guard.

The botched ‘closure’ of schools in Northern Ireland, with 450+ schools remaining open to receive, on average, just two, three or four children of key workers, was a reflection of local political difference.

Far too many schools opened during lockdown and teachers could do little about this.

NEU have contributed positively with the minister for education and the department to find ways forward.

Our detailed 33-page discussion document “On a return to Education in Northern Ireland” was widely praised as a positive pupil-centred contribution when presented publicly and to the Assembly Education Committee.

Our teachers and educators have continued to work long hours, well beyond the constricts of their contracts. Teachers well understand that disadvantage is compounded for the most marginalised pupils during lockdown.

With infection rates dropping, and the economy struggling, we all accept that calculated risks are required for some sort of normalisation to occur.

Our recent meeting with the minister on 18th June was wholly constructive and collegiate.

It is time to ‘dial-down’ the tone of the discourse and work together, positively, for a safe return to schooling in mid to late August.

Mark Langhammer, Regional Secretary, NEU, Northern Ireland

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor