Posts by Ella Hughes
It is so demoralizing coming to work on a daily basis knowing that I cannot help children reach their potential.
What does the issue of staff to student ratios mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? At our kindergarten we currently have 8 tamariki with learning needs including autism, speech delays/ non verbal, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities, global developmental delay and anxiety. The allocation of Education Support Worker (ESW) support hours…
Read MoreWhen there are a number of children with diverse learning needs it means the quality of teaching is challenged and you have much less time to stop and be with tamariki in the moment.
What does the issue of staff to student ratios mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? When there are a number of children with diverse learning needs it means the quality of teaching is challenged and you have much less time to stop and be with tamariki in the moment. What…
Read MoreIn my experience, the minimum ratio of 1:5 for under 2s is grossly inadequate.
What does the issue of staff to student ratios mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? In my experience, the minimum ratio of 1:5 for under 2s is grossly inadequate. It is a very real struggle to meet even their basic physical needs in a timely manner with the care they…
Read MoreWe will not attract new teachers to our workforce when you can earn more working in fast food.
What does the issue of pay mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? It means that despite gaining a degree and working for minimum wage while doing this [the degree], I am now on little more than minimum wage even though I am now on step 4 of the ktca. My…
Read MoreOften due to supervising our diverse tamariki during their kai time means I do not get an opportunity to eat or drink myself, or even just get off the floor for a moment’s breathe.
What is the issue that is most important for you? What does your issue mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? That teachers get their break times, to maintain their own wellbeing. Some days I work 5 hours before I get my lunchbreak as our morning tea breaks we have on…
Read MoreImproved ratios will allow for better quality teaching and learning.
What does the issue of staff to student ratios mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? Improved ratios will allow for better quality teaching and learning. What will it take to fix staff to student ratios? More teachers to children ratio, so more funding to pay for those extra teachers. When…
Read More[T]he fact that casual reliever days are capped at step 6 is a barrier. This means I get paid $5 less an hour for essentially doing the same job.
What does the issue of pay mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? I am a contract reliever. On my contracted days I get paid for my experience as per the Collective Agreement. I am well aware of the reliever shortage and would consider increasing my availability on my non contracted…
Read More[Ratios] do not meet the needs of individual mokopuna and it does not acknowledge their developmental ages.
What does the issue of staff to student ratios mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? My concern relates to the current minimum ratios for under 2s and over 2s which I believe are inequitable in the current model. It does not meet the needs of individual mokopuna and it does…
Read MoreI am currently at the top of my pay scale, and cannot afford to buy a house of my own.
What does the issue of pay mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? To pay a teacher what they are worth, means teachers will stay in the profession they are passionate about. I am currently at the top of my pay scale, and cannot afford to buy a house of my…
Read MoreI need more professional time out of ratio to complete the huge number of tasks that need to be carried out to operate legally and meet my obligations as a teacher.
What does professional time mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach? I need this time to ensure I can plan to prepare a quality curriculum for my learners. What will it take to fix the limitations on professional time? I am a head teacher and also a teacher in ratio on…
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