Black and Minority Ethnic Members
The NASUWT actively supports black and minority ethnic members within both the Union and the workplace. The National BME Advisory Committee informs policy development on issues of concern to BME members with advice on race equality legislation, Islamophobia and on strategies for recruiting and retaining BME members.
Events for BME Members
The annual BME Teachers’ Consultation Conferences have proved to be highly successful.
The most recent and largest ever Conference took place on Saturday 1 December 2012 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham. The theme was 'Celebrating Diversity and Embracing Unity' and included workshop sessions on the NASUWT Standing up for Standards campaign and industrial action, Free schools and the impact on BME communities, History teaching resources from the Runnymede Trust, financial planning and pension news and leadership development. Over 300 members attended making this the largest gathering of BME teachers in the UK.
The Union has produced a Conference Extra report on the 2012 Conference and a Conference Declaration which outlines the steps that will be taken on the issues raised at the Conference.
This year's BME Teachers’ Consultation Conference will take place on Saturday 7 December 2013 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham. Members can book online.
The NASUWT also provides a development course specifically aimed at BME members interested in getting actively involved in the Union. The course covers the structure of the union and roles to be taken up by lay activists. It also incorporates confidence building sessions and encourages networking support following the course.
Social Networking
Have your say on issues affecting BME teachers.
Profile: Adrian Rollins, BME Member
NASUWT and NUT launch historic agreement
Useful Links
All the links below open in new windows.
National Assembly Against Racism (NAAR)
Operation Black Vote
Refugees into Teaching
Runnymede Trust
TUC Black Workers
Unite Against Facism
Voice4Change
Black History Month
October is Black History Month and has been celebrated across the UK for over 30 years, each year growing from strength to strength. The aim of the month is to recognise significant contributions to society made by people with black heritage and how their history is integral to mainstream narratives.
The origins of Black History Month go back to 1926 when Carter G Woodson, editor of the Journal of Negro History established Negro History Week. Woodson chose the second week of February because it marked the birthdays of two Americans who greatly influenced the lives and social condition of African Americans: former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
During Black History Month the achievements of the black community are highlighted and celebrated and the hidden history about black communities is uncovered. A wide range of events are held throughout the UK. Black History Month UK (new window) has produced some teacher’s packs for Key Stage 2 and 3.
Supply survey reveals bleak picture for BME teachers
BME supply teachers are being disproportionately under paid, frozen out and discriminated against in schools, a new survey from the NASUWT has found.
The survey of nearly 900 supply teachers uncovered a depressing picture of inequality, with supply teachers being routinely treated as second class citizens in schools.
While the findings make grim reading, the responses of BME supply teachers are even more disturbing.
Research on the leadership aspirations and career paths of BME teachers
Over half of all black and minority ethnic (BME) teachers feel that they have been discriminated against during their careers, according to new research from the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, and the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services (the National College).
This video is embedded from the NASUWT YouTube channel. You may have difficulties viewing it if you have filters blocking the site.
The Report Leadership Aspirations and Careers of Black and Minority Ethnic Teachers, compiled by researchers from the University of Manchester and Education Data Surveys, looks at the career experiences of over 500 BME teachers and senior and middle leaders working in maintained schools across England. The report was launched in November 2009.
It found that while most are keen to progress into leadership positions and develop their careers, issues of workload, a lack of self-confidence and discrimination are blocking the paths of many aspiring teachers.
It is intended that this report will provide those supporting leadership development (including NCSL, NASUWT, local authorities and institutions) with recommendations on future actions and a range of strategies, tools and techniques to enable BME teachers to fulfil their aspirations.
