Idle Thoughts on the NUT (National Union of Teachers)

Maybe I do have a masochistic streak (see previous post), as I have just spent some looking at the NUT (National Union of Teachers). Now most Unions whether I like it or not, do have to a greater, or lesser degree a political activist element, but since the 1970's I have often wondered if the NUT strays too far in politics and indeed too far into having agendas approved at conference that are against the Wishes of Parents, who after all want there children to be educated, not politicised.

I have come to some conclusions, which I accept may be unfair, or just plain wrong, so why not send me a comment.

• The NUT has single handedly managed to reduce the Public's Respect for Teachers to just above Estate Agents.
• The Speeches and Policies made at NUT Conferences have greatly influenced many Parents to make sacrifices to move their children from state to Private Education, or if this is just not possible to faith Schools.
  
• The NUT has too many members who's political agenda is at variance with there professional duties.
• The NUT's antipathy towards Faith Schools, which in general 'punch far above their weight' in terms of providing children with a good education, is fuelled by the fact that these schools employ only competent staff, rather than some anti-religious stance. Especially as at last conference time was spent on faith teaching in schools
  
• NUT spends more time whinging about what should be and spends far too little ensuring Pupils get the education required.
• Class sizes. I was taught in what the NUT would consider far too large classes (40+ down to mid 30s). There were NO teaching Assistants and each Teacher had different ways of maintaining interest, discipline and spotting those who were struggling and those who were rushing ahead. Now I accept that Social Changes have made Teachers lives more difficult, but good Teachers should still be able to run a 30+ class. I think the image projected by the NUT has frightened away many who would have been good teachers!
• The NUT has NO interest in Teaching Standards, only in keeping its members employed, regardless of ability, suitability, or ethics
  

Having lit the touch paper, I shall stand well back: