Patricia Ayre
President
Patricia is extremely passionate about the Red Union and all it represents. She is always eager to encourage others to join as she has experienced firsthand the solid support base that the team offers. With an extensive career spanning 18 years in the private education sector, Patricia has dedicated herself to the field of primary school education. She's currently serving as a relief teacher within the Government primary school system. This role allows her to apply her wealth of experience and knowledge to diverse classroom settings, benefiting both students and fellow educators.
Patricia's decision to join the Red Union emerged during a challenging period in her life. At that time, she found herself deeply dissatisfied with the level of support provided by her previous union. The Red Union came highly recommended, and it did not take long for her to understand why. The Red Union's unwavering commitment to its members, coupled with its advocacy for educators' rights and welfare, resonated with her values and aspirations within the education sector.
As the TPAWA President Patricia looks forward to promoting the benefits of Red Union membership to other teachers in Western Australia. For those who may find themselves dissatisfied with their current union representation, Patricia wholeheartedly endorses the decision to join the Red Union. It is a worthwhile investment that offers a substantial return in terms of support, advocacy, and a vibrant community of educators dedicated to the betterment of the profession. "Together, as members of the Red Union, we can effect positive change and ensure that the voice of educators is heard and respected."
Mathew Asphar
Vice President
Mathew is an accomplished Senior Teacher, currently associated with the Department of Education in Western Australia. With a career spanning over a decade, he has worked in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) education, demonstrating excellence in both private and public educational settings. Mathew is a devoted husband and a loving father of three wonderful children. Presently, he holds the position of a full-time HASS teacher at Ridge View Secondary College.
Mathew’s choice to support the Red Union is founded on a dedication to upholding the ideals of personal liberty and the ability to express one's freedom of choice. He became a member of the Red Union years ago because he deeply values the protection of civil liberties and the capacity to make well-informed decisions. The Red Union's stance on these principles closely aligns with his beliefs and values. In his role as the Vice President, Mathew eagerly looks forward to working closely with our members.
His primary objective is to facilitate open and constructive dialogues, fostering a supportive environment where concerns and issues within educational settings can be addressed effectively. Together with the Red Union, Mathew aims to contribute positively to the welfare of educators and the betterment of the educational landscape. By advocating for our shared values and collaborating with dedicated colleagues, he believes we can affect meaningful change and uphold the principles of fairness, choice, and integrity in the field of education.
Michelle Scher
Treasurer
Originally from South Africa, Michelle made Perth her home in 1997. Her teaching journey started with relief teaching, eventually leading her to Carmel School in 2000. Recently, she made the decision to embark on a new chapter at Collier Primary School starting in 2024. Currently, she holds the role of a Year 1 teacher and has achieved Senior Teacher status.
“For me, the cornerstone of teaching lies in nurturing positive relationships with my students and their families. I firmly believe that when students feel safe and supported, their ability to learn flourishes.” Michelle’s involvement with Red Union stemmed from a workplace issue, where Natasha's remarkable support left a lasting impression. Her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond were invaluable to Michelle, reinforcing the importance of advocacy and support within the teaching profession.
Taking on the role of treasurer, Michelle is committed to actively listening to the needs of present and future teachers, offering her support in any capacity necessary. Her goal is to ensure that every teacher feels heard and empowered within our community. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for education in this new role, striving to make a meaningful difference for my colleagues and the teaching profession as a whole.”
Scott Stanford
National Coordinator
Scott has been working in education for over 20 years. Throughout his career he has held various roles in a number of secondary settings in both the independent and catholic sectors ranging from Classroom Teacher to Faculty and Department Head, Head of Boarding House and Director of Sport.
Scott has completed a Masters of Educational Leadership and throughout his career has been part of external organisations such as the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, Australian Boarding Schools Association, Business Educators Association of QLD and has been an active member in many community organisations which saw him awarded the 2016 Australia Day award in recognition for the valued community service in the Electorate of Lilly.
Throughout his career Scott has always been a proactive advocate for Teacher and school staff conditions and rights, and has always been an active member of the staff association in the schools he has worked in – often being a mentor to the new staff when they come into the organisation.
Scott is very excited to be the National Co-ordinator of the Teachers Professional Association and looks forward to working with the state secretaries to continue to advocate for fairness and equality with a goal for providing the best possible education setting for all.
