18 Comments

Kia ora Emily, thank you for using your platform to amplify NZEI's message. One small correction, the figure of 50,000 in the first paragraph includes secondary schools as well. We're in a different union with different issues. NZEI represents 30,000 primary and kindergarten/ece teachers, whereas PPTA represents secondary school teachers. Striking together increases visibility so we're glad to have our NZEI colleagues along.

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author

Thanks so much Katie. I’ve corrected it.

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Does anyone know if there's a march to Parliament? I'd like to take my kids along if there is, because effects on teachers are effects on kids too.

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author

There will definitely be a march. When I know the details I’ll let you know!

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Thank you!

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Thank you for this explainer! I fully support the teachers’ strike, both because all teachers are bloody legends and because I’ve got two kids who have additional support needs that there seems to be bugger-all capacity to provide.

And while it is challenging to juggle working that day with having two ten year olds at home, I’m going to give them a massive treat and take them to a local board workshop 😂

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Kia ora Emily, am I permitted to post a link to this post to my classroom page?

Ngā mihi,

A soon to be striking primary school teacher 😕

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author

Please do! Share far and wide ❤️

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Kia ora whānau. How else can you help your children's teacher? Don't send them to school on Thursday (if your circumstances allow). I am a secondary school teacher. While the vast majority of teachers belong to one of the unions, some do not, and these non-members are not evenly spread across schools. If your kids' school has enough non union staff they might be able to remain open. My 10 year old's school is in this position - I am really disappointed they have chosen not to support their teachers by closing. I will not be sending her to school on Thursday - she would essentially be crossing a picket line. Ngā mihi nui.

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Totally support the need for more support teachers and resources, it's just the pay issue which I question.

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founding

It’s impossible to attract more teachers if the pay is not sufficient for the work involved.

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Perhaps showing the existing pay scale for teachers would be helpful in determining whether to support strike action.

Another consideration is the generous holidays teachers’ enjoy compared with other sectors.

Unfortunately there are still dud teachers out there who are almost impossible to dismiss. Pity performance appraisals were dropped.

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My husband is a teacher aide and earns $21.84 an hour. He isn’t paid for school holidays. Teachers earn $51,358 a year with a bachelor in teaching. $55,948 if they have a post grad in teaching. $58,133 if they have honours. You can read the collective agreement here https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/Documents/School/Collective-Employment-Agreements/Primary-Teachers-Collective-Agreement/Primary-Teachers-Collective-Agreement-2019-2022.pdf Teachers do work during the school holidays. During the end-of-term breaks teachers do schoolwork, including compulsory professional development days. Plus longer week days even out over the holiday period (this is why you often see teachers emailing you about your child at 7pm at night). I am not sure what you mean about “dud” teachers being impossible to dismiss. All school staff are subject to the usual performance management process?

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It’s also key to note that teachers also take on extra responsibility (modules) outside of their classroom roles so the can get extra money. These modules do mean they can bump their pay by a few thousand dollars but it also means they end up being even more stretched.

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All teachers must adhere to the Teacher Professional Standards and carry out reflective practice of their programme.

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Teachers must pass the attestation of the Principal that they meet the professional standards to be registered. The onerous, paperwork-heavy appraisal process was dropped. It's not the same thing. If teachers aren't doing their job there is a process.

My Year 11s on Friday were like "Miss you sent me an email at 11.30", "She sent me one at midnight" - I said - that's why you get Thursday off :(

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In terms of the government offer for primary teachers it was a $4000 increase to salaries from December 2022 and 3% or $2000 (the higher figure) to salaries from December this year. For many teachers I know, it’s not about the pay - it’s the whole offer while includes a bunch of different things including sick leave (10 days to 15 days), resourcing, non contact or release time etc.

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