One of the key roles of the NSTU president is as the public face and voice of the union.
In times past, delivering a prepared statement and writing well enough in newspapers were often enough to fulfill this aspect of the role competently.
Now, the role demands far more. Social media, television and radio are far larger parts of communicating with the public, while newspapers remain key platforms in Nova Scotia that now include interactive function around commenting by readers. The public relations component of the presidency is more complex and challenging than ever before, and members have a choice to make about which candidate will do this part of the job with excellence.
Some candidates are asking for your faith, to believe that they can turn into effective spokespeople once elected.
I’m offering a track record that demonstrates the ability to write, speak, interview and use social media with insight and impact. I spoke out consistently long before I had any position with the NSTU and after I held elected roles at the local and provincial level.
Members don’t have to guess whether or not standing #withwozney will mean our union is represented with clarity and conviction. They can make a confident, conscious choice on May 23 knowing they will empower a voice with strength and humility to put other voices first when they have greater power to make the case for public education and the teaching profession.
In these final days of decision, ask each candidate to provide the evidence that they have already developed and polished these vital skills. I’m offering mine in the links below. Read, view & listen, and determine which candidate will provide the voice a leadership we need at this time.
In solidarity for a stronger, more effective NSTU,
Paul Wozney
**Note: organized from most recent to oldest
COUNTERPOINT: More thorns than roses await if you embark on a teaching career (March 12, 2018)
OPINION: Yes vote means no to McNeil’s blatant abuse of power (February 16, 2018)
Some N.S. teachers say doing ‘a little bit extra’ unlikely in imposed contract Interview with Canadian Press writer Michael Tutton (February 23, 2017)
OPINION: Nova Scotia’s rulers overrule the people again at their peril (Feb 20, 2017, Local Xpress)
OPINION: What Stephen McNeil is really thinking when he’s sticking it to teachers (Feb 14, 2017, Local Xpress)
The Rick Howe Show (February 13, 2017)
The Rick Howe Show (January 30, 2017)
N.S. teachers return to work-to-rule amid tussle over purpose of new days off Interview with Canadian Press writer Michael Tutton (January 27, 2017)
Some teachers unhappy with third tentative deal with Nova Scotia government Interview with Canadian Press writer Michael Tutton (January 25, 2017)
OPINION: Breaking the impasse with teachers — an outline of the way forward (Jan 9, 2017, Local Xpress)
The Rick Howe Show (December 22, 2016 – 27 minute mark)
COMMENTARY: Valuable lessons learned after Week 1 of work to rule (Dec 11, 2016, Local Xpress)
OPINION: If McNeil has his way, forced labour will rule the day (Dec 5, 2016, Local Xpress)
OPINION: McNeil cultivates myth of listening to teachers while railroading them (Nov 17, 2016, Local Xpress)
OPINION: Karen Casey has lost all credibility with teachers (Oct 18, 2016, Local Xpress)
READER’S CORNER: Teachers’ No sign of deep malaise in education system (December 13, 2015)