Professional time is so important in our roles as teachers. It’s in this time that we are able to reflect and review and collaborate.

What does professional time mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Professional time is so important in our roles as teachers. It’s in this time that we are able to reflect and review and collaborate. All these things contribute to better learning outcomes for tamariki.

We have meetings where we discuss things that are on top for us and we plan a way to move forward together. Professional time is when we document learning for children, it gives us time to contribute to kindergarten life. Kindergartens that have moved to longer hours and less professional time say their work with tamariki has been adversely impacted because there is less professional time for higher level engagement and thinking with colleagues.

What will it take to fix the limitations on professional time?

We need to get more release time for those that have had their professional time eroded.

When we fix professional time, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

It will definitely make for better learning outcomes for tamariki as teachers will have time to document learning, have meetings and reflect and review their practice.