News release: Challenging the myths on early childhood education
There are lots of myths circulating in society about the role and status of early childhood teachers. The Independent Education Union (IEU) is out to challenge those myths at its conference in Sydney this Saturday – Myth Busters, Challenging the Things We Know are Wrong.
The IEU is challenging the status quo before the Fair Work Commission, with its equal remuneration case, which argues early childhood teachers are paid less because they are predominantly female.
Early childcare teachers are often paid $35,000 a year less than their counterparts in schools, who have the same qualifications.
Find out more about the myths and facts:
Myth: Early childhood teaching is not a real profession!
Fact: Early childhood teachers have the same qualifications as school teachers.
Myth: Teachers are all paid the same salary!
Fact: Early childhood teachers after 12 years of working with young children earn up to $35,000 less than their colleagues who teach in school.
Myth: No one cares about the pay inequity gap between teachers in early childhood and teachers in schools!
Fact: The IEU is currently seeking dates to hear the equal remuneration case before the Fair Work Commission, which argues early childhood teachers are paid less because they are predominantly female.
Myth: Early childhood teaching is just babysitting.
Fact: Research has shown the 0-5 years are crucial for a child’s educational development throughout its life.
Myth: Young children are not affected by trauma, early childhood teachers have no impact on their recovery.
Fact: Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson from Southern Cross University will explain the important role early childhood teachers play in tackling childhood trauma at this conference.
Come and find out the facts about early childhood teachers and the education they provide at Myth Busters, Challenging the Things We Know are Wrong, the IEU’s early childhood education conference.
Other speakers and workshops will explore early childhood teacher accreditation and relationships with parents.
Teachers and IEU organisers are on hand for interviews and photos.
All media welcome
Where: Mercure Sydney, George St (next to Central Station)
When: Saturday 9 September 8am-4pm