Stephen Walker, assistant head of IT

The Holgate School, Hucknall

When and why did you get involved in teaching?

I have been a teacher since 1975 when I left university. I have been teaching at the same school now for 34 years, the longest-serving member of staff. I teach because I enjoy the company of children.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

The enjoyment comes from seeing pupils progress, from seeing them develop as people. I have always been keen on seeing them develop not just in my subject area but as individuals.

Why did you join the Union?

I joined the NASUWT because in the 1970s most secondary teachers were in the Union. I felt that it was a strong union that was going to protect my interests.

Why are you interested in health and safety?

I am interested in health and safety because it affects all of us. I did a course in environmental and health and safety management and one of my coursework pieces was to do some work in school.
I was invited to be the health and safety manager for the school and had four years of doing that and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Since then I have become the Union’s health and safety rep for the school.

What challenges have you seen in your role as a health and safety rep?

The caseload isn’t that big in my school. But one of my frustrations is to get colleagues to take health and safety seriously and to take responsibility for their own health and safety and not just to expect it to be done for them.

What health and safety training has the Union helped provide or supported you with?

I went on the Level One course and about six months later I went on the Level Two course. I have done an Open University course in environmental and health and safety management.