Anger is likely to show itself at this year's ASTI convention when teachers debate issues of greatest concern today. Among those expected to raise temperatures is Department staffing which has caused a "major crisis" in about 1,000 pension applications, explains general secretary Charlie Lennon.

A composite motion demands a campaign of action up to and including industrial action with the objective of reducing the pupil teacher ratio so that classes in mainstream subjects can be brought down from 30 students or more. The current appointment ratio in second-level schools is a pupil/teacher ratio of 19:1. The union wants a 15:1 ratio.

Delegates will propose that a code of discipline from the Department to help them deal with the increasing level of assaults on teachers. This code should outline procedures and sanctions to be taken against students who assault teachers, intimidate or prevent them from carrying out their duties or bully and intimidate fellow students. "This has become a live issue," says Lennon. The Department is expected to issue a document shortly on the subject.

Lack of ancillary school staff will be debated. The need for special education centres is also on the agenda - as more mainstream schools are asked to take students with special needs, this issue is expected to attract plenty of interest.

The motion states that "the brief of these special education centres should be the education of pupils, who because of severe behavioural or emotional problems, have failed to have their needs met by the mainstream secondary education system."

Bullying will be debated in a motion that is under the general title of equality. "A lot of bullying is bullying of women teachers," says Lennon. "There are increasing problems in schools. It's a problem that does need to be documented and analysed."

The motion proposes that the ASTI establish a subcommittee on the bullying of teachers with a view to developing guidelines, a code of conduct, an advice leaflet and a policy on the issue.

The fact that teachers and parents are not represented on comprehensive school boards of management is also expected to create a stir. "It's an anachronism at this stage," says John Hurley, president of the ASTI.

Among other issues coming up for discussion are revised in-school management structures in second-level schools, curricular change and the need for proper funding and resources; and the school psychological service. Over 200 motions will be debated and voted on. It looks like it's going to be a busy week.