Louise Swinn

Louise Swinn is an AEU staff journalist, freelance writer, editor and critic, with a background in book publishing.

Early Childhood
For everyone
Schools
TAFE & Adult Provision
All Sectors

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News in brief: Term 1, 2022

Albanese pledges millions for consent programs; climate inaction shamed by students; religious discrimination rejected by parliament; and a new book takes a look at the derailing of Gonski.

For everyone

Book review: Facts* And Other Lies, Ed Coper (Allen & Unwin)

Communications expert Ed Coper’s latest book is fascinating reading for anyone who finds themselves wondering what happened to good old-fashioned common sense.

For everyone

TV review: Jagged (HBO)

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has listened to Canadian singer Alanis Morissette’s ‘Jagged Little Pill’ that she is a candid and articulate speaker – with a lot to say.

For everyone

My Favourite Things: Podcasts for teachers

Whether commuting in the car or out for that daily walk, podcasts can be a useful friend to keep you company, and a chance to learn something new. Here are a few entertaining and thought-provoking options specially created for educators.

Early Childhood

Funding three-year-old kinder is non-negotiable

The case for funding two years of early years education is clear – so why does our federal government refuse to invest in our youngest learners?

Schools

Historic wins contained in the new VGSA

Robust negotiations and powerful campaign action, culminating in industrial bans, have achieved a proposed agreement that provides significant improvements to the working lives of schools members.

Schools

CRT agency rates set to increase

Recent changes to the Educational Services (Teachers) Award (ESTA) affect any CRTs employed by agencies, as their rate of pay is determined by the Award, not the Ministerial Order.

For everyone

Why I’m in the union

For many, the question isn’t so much “why did you join the union?” but “why wouldn’t you?” LOUISE SWINN speaks to members about the benefits of being part of the AEU.

The Australian Education Union is you, your colleagues and thousands of other people working in public education. Join us now to have a voice in your profession, and to enjoy the support and advice we offer our members.

Schools

Reading the fine print

Education support member ANA LEVETT cannot tolerate injustice – a driving force in her decision to recently become an AEU rep. She speaks to LOUISE SWINN about the everyday successes and joys of her role.

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Hubs to cap it off! AEU members campaigning for change

As we head towards a federal election, campaign hubs will play a starring role. LOUISE SWINN speaks to some of the movers and shakers about the kick they get out of being involved.

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Not just small change: students lead on climate action

Growing up surrounded by relentless evidence of the severity of climate change, it is no wonder that school-aged children are at the forefront of climate action. One young activist tells us why she’s on the campaign trail.

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Book review: A Dream Life, Claire Messud (Tablo Publishing)

★★★★ Award-winning American author Claire Messud turns her attention to Australia in her latest, a novella set in the 1970s.

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Book review: Love and Virtue, Diana Reid (Ultimo)

Diana Reid’s debut is a campus novel very much of our times.

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News in brief: Term 4, 2021

The latest news in brief: AEU ban on MPs visiting schools; ventilation in schools and EC; rapid antigen testing pilot; Alan Tudge condemned.

Schools

VGSA: Stepping up the action

AEU members have resolved to escalate the industrial campaign for a new Schools Agreement if the Victorian government does not adequately address our log of claims, specifically the key issues of workloads and salaries.

For everyone

Taking a gander at gender

As awareness around gender issues grows, young people are leading the pack when it comes to respecting diversity and equality, and schools have a role to play in that.

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A life-changing diagnosis

When Clem Bastow was diagnosed with autism at age 36, it brought on a re‑evaluation of so many elements from her past and gave her a clearer vision of her world.

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Recruitment wins!

Recruiting workmates to the union can be incredibly rewarding, whether the result of significant effort or simply asking a colleague if they’ve thought to join.

For everyone

My favourite things: Virtual tours

Looking for some student ‘excursions’ that don’t involve leaving the classroom? One upside of lockdown has been the expansion of virtual tours, beaming us into zoos, aquariums, museums and galleries around the world.

Schools

Assessment should be fair, equitable and inclusive

Politically motivated standardised testing models do not benefit the student, and need to be dropped in favour of meaningful, classroom-based assessments.