One of the biggest problems with workload is that teachers’ contractual rights are complicated and enshrined in a number of complex documents which often amend one another. “If only we knew what our rights were,” say many teachers, “we would be able to stand up for them in our schools.” Okay then. Challenge accepted! We’ve picked a dozen of the most important rights teachers have, and if you’re not receiving these 12 rights in your working life then your school is very likely breaching your workload agreement.
Your working hours are limited.
You cannot be directed to work more than 1265 hours (pro rata) in a year. (Note – extra-curricular activities which you choose to do are not part of your contracted hours, and you cannot be directed to do them without a separate contract and payment.)
Your working days are limited
You cannot be directed to work on more than 195 days per year. Being asked to work even for a short time on a given day makes that day one of the 195. (Note: as above, this doesn’t include extra-curricular activities if a teacher chooses to do these.)
(Ref: “Jordanstown Agreement”, section 8.1.a)
You have the right to a Directed Time Budget.
Your Principal must give you a Directed Time Budget (DTB) before the start of the teaching year.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 (your latest workload agreement) section 4.3, and 4.4.2)
Your DTB should be detailed and individualised
The tasks on your DTB should be individualised to your role, and each should have sufficient time allocated to complete that task.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 section 5.1.e and 4.4.2)
You must get the time you need for TA roles from your 1265 hours
You cannot be asked to work outside of your 1265 hours to complete Teaching Allowance / SEN point holding roles. You should also have a clear list of expected duties for this role, with reasonable time allocations for each, on your DTB.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 section 5.1.d)
Your workload must be reasonable
A “reasonable workload” is the amount of work that an employee can do well without feeling regularly stressed, while maintaining a positive work-life balance.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 section 1.2.1.i)
You should be able to finish duties within contractual hours
Your workload should be such that it can be normally completed within school working hours: i.e. not by regularly bringing work home.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 section 1.2.2.ii)
Your workload should be equitable and fair
Each teacher should be provided with the time and support they need to discharge their workload within their contractual hours. Note – this is not the same as “equal”.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 section 1.2.2.i)
You can raise group concerns about workload together
No-ones likes to stick their head over the parapet, so you can resolve issues with workload through a collective grievance. This can be handled for you by your union without you being named.
(Ref: TNC 2024/2 section 5.8.2)
You must get 126.5 hours (pro-rata) non-contact time for PPA
You must get at least 126.5 hours a year (pro-rata) to plan and assess lessons. It is best practice for this time to be in realisable and undisturbed blocks of time of at least 20 minutes length to allow you to focus. This time is necessary to prepare teaching and learning, and shouldn’t be eroded by other demands.
You can’t be told to do PPA in your own time
While the teachers’ contract excludes PPA at home from your hours, doing PPA at home is “not satisfactory” as it drives excessive workload. Additionally, you cannot be directed to do PPA outside of your 1265 hours as a direction must be accounted for in your 1265 hours.
(Ref TNC 2024/2 section 5.6, and section 5.1.e)
Your contact time is limited
You cannot be directed to teach (as oppose to supervise) students for more than 23.5 hours per week (post-primary) or 25 hours per week (primary and special.) This includes any cover allocation and any registration activity more than just completing a roll call.
(Ref: “Jordanstown Agreement”, section 8.1.c)
Christmas break in…
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