Sick and tired teachers are not what we need teaching our smallest tamariki

What does the reliever shortage mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

It is so hard on the team when we can’t find relievers, it makes everything so stressful. It also means that staff are reluctant to take the sick leave they need to get better because they know the impact it will have on the team. This compounds into a team of sick tired teachers. Sick and tired teachers are not what we need teaching our smallest tamariki.

What will it take to fix the reliever shortage?

Better rates of pay for relievers to make it more appealing would be a great start!

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

I will be able to take a sick day and not feel guilty for the impact it has on the team. The team will be able to take their sick days as well so I won’t have to work with sick teachers!