Why become an ATL student rep?

ATL the education union is the union you have chosen to support you as a student member and when you upgrade to our newly qualified membership throughout your professional career. ATL values the contribution our student and NQ members make and there are lots of exciting opportunities for you to get involved.

One of the most rewarding ways to get involved as a student member is to become a student rep at your training institution.

Being a rep gives you access to develop new skills, confidence and knowledge that enable you to support your fellow students and your own professional development. You will also have the opportunity to meet other students and NQ colleagues through regional and national ATL Future Forums.

You make the role
The role of student rep is about helping everyone on your course get the very most from your course and ATL. How you do this is up to you, but will probably involve some of the following:

• Distributing information and putting up posters to raise the profile of ATL
• Asking your fellow students to join ATL  - its free!
• Organising an ATL Future lecture, training or event at your training institution
• Help to set up an ATL Future group to meet each term to provide a space to network, get to know each other and share experience
• Representing issues and concerns with your course to tutors and course providers
• Setting up an email lists for student teachers to share ideas and concerns

Opening up new opportunities
Being a student rep opens up loads of other opportunities:

Training
As an ATL Student Rep, you will have access to training, information and development opportunities that will equip you with transferable skills and knowledge in negotiating, making presentations, employment law and equality.

ATL Future events
You can shape ATL Future Forum training and events in your region, so that they meet the needs of you and fellow students and provide a real opportunity for new ATL members to get together, share experience and ideas. Examples of topics include classroom behaviour, protecting your voice, advice on school trips, child protection, teaching and the law or health & safety.  

ATL Future Forum
You can stand for the ATL Future national steering committee, giving you the opportunity to have your say on ATL’s work with new teachers at a national level and attend the ATL Conference.

Working in a school or college team
With experience as a Student Rep, you will be in a great position to work with other ATL members in your future workplace to ensure that all members receive information from ATL, that there is a strong ATL presence and members work together to address their concerns. Working with ATL members in your workplace or area will provide you with invaluable links to fellow NQs and members with years of experience in education.

Carla Powell, a secondary teacher in her NQT year recommends being an ATL student rep: “Through being a rep, I was able to attend the ATL Conference, which opened many different avenues, such as being a member of ATL Future and attending TUC meetings with the young members forum. I have met so many amazing people, who have helped me with their knowledge and life experience.”

Get in touch
If you would like to be a student rep, or simply want to find out more, get in touch please email getactive@atl.org.uk.