I love my job but it is hard work juggling all the responsibilities

What does the issue of pay mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

As a leader and head kaiako, I work hard supporting colleagues, whānau, networking groups and most importantly mokopuna. I love my job but it is hard work juggling all the responsibilities that come with leading our kindergarten. I mentor colleagues as future leaders. The pay scale for a head teacher means our emerging leaders do not see it as a career path as responsibilities do not meet the pay.

What will it take to fix pay for kindergarten teachers?

The head teacher pay scale needs to increase to retain and support future leaders.

When we fix pay for kindergarten teachers, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

The kaiako are retained and the career path as a head kaiako will attract new and quality kaiako. A sense of worth goes hand in hand with motivation and professional standing.