Feb 9: Join the GA

Enjoy the daily pleasure of waking up and remembering that you are a member of the GA.

Every Geography Teacher should be a member of the Geographical Association: the subject association for Geography Teachers.
I suppose I should declare an interest in that from 2008-11 I was employed by the Geographical Association, which was an amazing time, and were it not for circumstances beyond my control, I would still be there working to support geography teachers around the world. I am also the current Vice President of the GA as well, and have served on GA committees and worked on their behalf in a whole range of other ways.

There are several membership options for teachers. While working for the GA, we introduced an entry level membership, but there are other levels offering discounts on publications and CPD courses, and subscriptions to the GA's journals. I have been fortunate to write a column called Webwatch for the GA Magazine for the last 13 years, and have also provided articles, and editorial for the other three magazines. Group memberships are available for your whole department, and there is also a FREE Primary membership option as well.

So why join the GA?

It is important to join the GA in the same way as it is important to join a trade union (which I hope all teachers also do). It is joining a community of practice, and supporting the work of an organisation which has been around for over 125 years, and which produces high quality advocacy for the subject, through previous publications such as the manifesto for school geography 'a different view', which I helped to produce.

The website sets out the benefits of membership.

Supporting all teachers of geography

Geographical Association membership offers you support, guidance and expert advice for teaching geography.
Become a member and enjoy:

• online access to members-only teaching materials and topical resources on our teaching resources and journals pages
• latest news about geography, geography teaching and the curriculum in GA Magazine
• journals packed each term with practical teaching ideas and professional advice – choose from Teaching Geography, Geography and Primary Geography. View free journal samples here.
• access to online journal archives of research, resources and support
• member offers and voucher codes on a huge range of products from Ordnance Survey, Field Studies Council, Páramo and many more
• discounts on GA training courses, conferences, publications and consultancy services
• recognition of your achievements through GA Awards and the Geography Quality Mark
• expert advice and guidance to raise attainment in geography in your school
• funding opportunities from the GA for fieldwork, Study Tours and international linking.

The GA offers categories of membership to suit every need – from trainees to teacher trainers, early career to retired teachers and from infant schools to the largest secondaries, colleges and universities.
Membership of the GA also gives you opportunities to:

• exchange ideas and resources with other teachers and update your subject knowledge at the GA Annual Conference, your local GA Branches and via our online forums
• share the latest teaching ideas with others by joining a GA curriculum project or writing for our journals, GA Magazine or website
• help shape the future of geography teaching and the GA by joining a GA expert volunteer group or by electing members of the GA’s Governing Body.

Your membership of the GA helps give geography a voice. Together, we have real influence with government on matters that affect teachers of geography. Membership is open to all and we welcome support from any individual or organisation sharing our enthusiasm for furthering knowledge and understanding of geography through education. Find out more about what the GA does.
GA membership is great value too! Personal membership subscriptions are usually allowable expenses for Income Tax purposes. Ask your Tax Office to include your GA subscription in the calculation of your tax code, allowing you to receive tax relief on the amount you pay.