It will value the role, the mahi and heart that I put into my role every day

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?

Head Teacher pay scale – lack of

What will it take to fix the issue you have identified?

The profession needs to attract and retain good leaders. Head Teacher roles are increasingly complex and the workload is considerable, on top of being a full part of the teacher: child ratio. This needs to be reflected in the salary. The one step salary does not acknowledge the years of experience and skill, and can be only a fraction higher than teachers at the top of their scale. There is no recognition or progression for the vast differences in qualifications, skills, workload, responsibilities, mentoring, experience or years of service. Which make all of mine feel unvalued.

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

It will right a wrong as this has been ignored or sacrificed for other wins. It will value the role, the mahi and heart that I put into my role every day. It will attract and retain great leaders, who will support great teams, who will (continue) to provide quality education for tamariki.