Currently my weekly non-contact time is the same as our full time teachers, yet I have a very different role as a Head Teacher.

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

As a Head Teacher to be able to be prepared and organised, to support my proactive approach rather than reactive. My professional/non-contact time is spent attending a wide range of mahi that supports the team, the programme, the tamariki and whānau – often needing to attend to things there and then.

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

To recognise the additional workload and responsibilities that Head Teachers have. Currently my weekly non-contact time is the same as our full time teachers, yet I have a very different role as a Head Teacher while also being an ‘in ratio’ teacher. While I appreciate the Head Teacher Release day each term, the requirements of me would be best supported if there was a weekly inclusion of extra non contact time that would enable me to attend to situations, requests and responsibilities in a more timely manner.

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

As a Head Teachers, it would also acknowledge and validate my role as a leader. The better supported I am in turn equals the support and time I give to kaiako, tamariki, whānau, community and colleagues.