‘An instant feeling of togetherness’

Charlotte Dee is a teaching assistant and NEU rep at Compass Community School Coastal Park, a special needs school in Folkestone.

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy the challenges it presents. I feel that I’m helping the students in the best way possible for their individual circumstances in a therapeutic and child-centred way.

What do you love about being in the union?

When I joined the union, I felt an instant feeling of togetherness and understanding from my fellow NEU members. I was quickly voted as a rep for my school and got involved in all the NEU courses and conferences that were relevant, such as the women’s empowerment course and the independent sector conference.

This made me feel even more empowered as a teaching assistant and a union member because of the amazing experiences I have had and lasting friendships I have made.

What have you been up to lately?

I have recently been nominated as joint district secretary. I’ve also been setting everything up ready to go on my second Care4Calais delegation and preparing to attend annual conference as an independent sector delegate and a joint district secretary –an exciting opportunity.

What’s important to you right now?

Due to not being able to be involved with the strikes first hand, I’m focused on assisting my fellow independent union members, as well as continuing to aid the Care4Calais charity by raising awareness and going on delegations with the union.

What do you do on your day off?

I play for the Ashford Women’s Rugby team, write and play music as an acoustic singer songwriter and go on camping holidays and hikes with my two dogs.

Tell us something we don’t know. I’m very excited about what more opportunities the NEU can give me.