There is always more work to be done than there is time available. I consistently work more hours than I’m paid for.

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

There is always more work to be done than there is time available. I consistently work more hours than I’m paid for.

For my own well-being and to ensure a good nights sleep I now won’t work past 6pm, for any reason, so no evening hui or professional development for me. Although I accept I must work in my own time I’ll only extend my work day to achieve this.

As a part time teacher I no longer work on my non-work day or weekends.

Longer teaching days, mixed aged groups and a full year service contribute to burnout and exhaustion and have all contributed to me making these decisions. My well-being now comes before my work after too many years of putting work first.

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

More professional time won’t fully solve this, neither will more money. It’s the continually increasing expectations on teachers from Ministry of Education and our employers that needs to change.

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

I might make it in the profession until retirement age. Tamariki will have a more energetic and engaged teacher.