Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association

@sstatradeunion.bsky.social

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Founded in 1944, the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association is Scotland's only specialist union for Secondary Teachers

As President of the Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association (SSTA), I have been raising concerns about rising violence and serious disruption in our classrooms for years. I hear directly from teachers who are experiencing increasing levels of verbal abuse, physical aggression and intimidation daily. Despite repeated warnings from the profession, meaningful progress in addressing these issues has simply not materialised. No teacher should face violence for doing their job. Schools must be safe environments for staff and pupils alike — yet too many of our members feel unsupported and exposed. I also believe there must be serious consideration of what lies behind the figures now emerging. At the first behaviour summit organised by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, a clear warning was given that there was significant underreporting of violent incidents. We heard concerns that some local authority employers and senior managers actively discouraged staff from reporting incidents. Only accurate reporting can provide a true picture of the scale of the challenges school staff face every day. The news reports now emerging demonstrate the level and seriousness of the issue that many in the profession believe has been minimised or overlooked for too long. This raises an important question about accountability and responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff. We urgently need stronger support systems for schools, clear and consistent consequences for violent behaviour, and sustained investment in the resources required to support both teachers and young people effectively. Above all, we need transparency and decisive action to restore safe and respectful learning environments in Scotland’s schools. The safety and wellbeing of teachers cannot continue to be overlooked. Monique Dreon-Goold SSTA President
Scotland’s only specialist union for Secondary Teachers If you wish your views as a secondary teacher to be fully represented, there is only one union you can join. - Free Membership for PGDE Students & NQTs. - 50% off membership fees for new members Join the SSTA www.ssta.org.uk/join