AObsector consultants acquire and bring knowledge
De AObsector consultants come to you! On spec or by invitation. “We want to know what is going on and say that we do more than organize strikes,” says consultant Kim van Straten.
Image: Rob Niemantsverdriet
How do you become a sector consultant?
“I've been working in primary education for nine years now and only joined the end of 2016 AOb. I was just a member when I saw a call 'consultants wanted'. A few weeks later I was selected. At the Margriet school in Halfweg I was scheduled one day a week and seconded to the union that day. ”
And?
"Totally awesome. In class you work on a kind of island. I missed contact with others and I wanted a little more freedom for myself. That one day before the union, I give it my own interpretation. ”
What are you doing then?
“I live in Haarlem and go to schools in the area by bicycle and outside the city in my car. Just walk in. Sometimes I get no further than the concierge. The other times I sit with a school leader or join a club of teachers. Let me tell you what we can do and why the union wants to collect information in this way. We want to know what's going on, but we also want to say that we do much more than organize strikes. ”
Like some kind of missionary?
“Ha, ha. You can put it that way, but one that doesn't just send and tries to win souls. Ultimately, of course, we like it when people join our 'church', the union. But that is not the point. When people join, I prefer that it is a result of the fact that they have become aware that you are stronger together. A while ago a direct colleague became a member. She had been in education for 42 years, but my persistent stories convinced her of the usefulness. ”
Do you also hand out beads and mirrors?
“Bad question! I always leave something behind at the schools. At the moment, the AObmugs very popular. I was recently invited to a school to talk about the ins and outs of drawing up a work division plan. They even asked very emphatically if I also wanted to bring a box of mugs. ”
Do you often bump your nose when you visit on spec?
"Almost never. I do about six to eight visits a day. At the end of the day, I don't need any more coffee! I can often answer questions directly and refer people to the answers. Non-members then see that such a union is quite useful and that, if they become a member, they can keep asking those questions for ever.
Would you also like to invite a consultant to your school? Mail to visitonzeschool @aob.nl and provide the address of your school and your contact details.
