Purpose
The ASTI represents teachers on educational issues and working conditions. The objects and aims of the ASTI are: * to promote second-level education * to unite and organise all second-level teachers * to promote and protect teachers' interests * to maintain and improve teachers' conditions of employment The ASTI acts as a professional advocate for second level teachers, offers legal protection to its members, campaigns for improved working conditions and ensures continuing professional development for teachers providing research facility for teachers where necessary. The association will also provide a team of experienced industrial relations negotiators to assist teachers facing difficulties at school. The ASTI set up aHistory
The ASTI began on 17 March 1909, at a meeting called by teachers of St Colman's College, Fermoy. There had been an Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) since 1868 which had been successful in gaining better working conditions and pay for their members. At the time, conditions for secondary teachers were very poor with men earning about £80 a year and women a little over half that. One of the aims of the association was to raise the status of teachers in the community. The main force behind the formation of the union was Patrick Kennedy, a teacher at St Colman's. Founding members included such national figures asGeneral Secretary
The General Secretary represents the interests of the members of the union on topics such as their salary, conditions of employment and education at a national and international level. The General Secretary manages the daily business of the ASTI and ensures that ASTI policy is appropriately carried out. This post is not elected annually but rather is appointed as a full-time position. Kieran Mulvey was the General secretary of the ASTI from 1983 until he was replaced by Charlie Lennon in 1991. On Lennon's retirement in 2004 John White became acting General Secretary of the ASTI and was appointed in 2005. Pat King replaced White in September 2010. Kieran Christie was General Secretary as of 1 January 2016President
The president of the union is elected at the annual convention and takes office on 1 August of that year. Unlike the General Secretary the President is always a teacher and takes a leave of absence from their teaching role for the duration of their term.See also
* Education in the Republic of IrelandReferences
External links
* {{Authority control Education International Education trade unions Trade unions established in 1909 Education in Ireland Trade unions in the Republic of Ireland Organisations based in Dublin (city) All-Ireland organisations 1909 establishments in Ireland Seanad nominating bodies