Teachers stand for action

Brooding wet weather did little to stop Tauranga primary teachers and principals taking a stand and picketing for better education funding outside Tauranga MP Simon Bridges' office this morning.

Between 7.30 and 8am school communities with ‘Stand Up For A Better Plan' signs stood outside the empty Devonport Road office as part of a nationwide stand by the New Zealand Educational Institute.


Merivale Primary School principal Jan Tinetti standing up for a better plan. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Groups nationwide have delivered letters to their corresponding MP asking for cross party support for education initiatives that will target the real needs of children.

Last month primary teachers and principals rejected the Government's controversial $359million ‘Investing in Educational Success' policy, including proposed high paid principal and teacher roles.

Merivale Primary School principal Jan Tinetti says about 25 people attended the early morning protest, signing a letter outlining a lack of confidence in the policy, and possible alternatives.

'We have got five aspects that we have come up with nationally that we believe will be better.

'We have smaller class sizes; access to high quality early childhood education; better funding for kids with special learning needs; sustainable funding for support staff in schools; and looking for initiatives that will boost Maori and Pacifica success.”

Jan is pleased with the turnout which she says shows they are right behind the NZEI stance.

'Considering that the weather was pretty dodgy and it had been a terrible night we were pleased because it was probably the hour we had no rain full stop.

'For a Friday at 7.30am I thought it was really good. We had a range of teachers from different schools.”

In August a resounding 93 per cent of teachers and principals voted "no confidence" in the government's plan.

When asked whether they wanted to try to reshape the policy or start again, 73 per cent voted to reject the proposed new roles outright, rather than try to change the policy through negotiation.

NZEI national president Judith Nowotarski says the result clearly showed teachers wanted what was best for kids, not what was best for their own pockets.

"We have a much better plan and we want the government to spend the money where it's really needed - to improve student learning rather than imposing a top-down, one size fits all model on schools."

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says he was contacted by NZEI earlier in the week about the planned meetings, but is in Taranaki today for his Energy and Resources Minister role.

'Whilst I'm disappointed by the stance the NZEI have taken into our package to improve teaching in schools, we are committed to continue to listen to them and making sure we get the best possible policy for children's education.”

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23 comments

The Labour party at its best

Posted on 05-09-2014 12:40 | By How about this view!

How long before we get the school kids whipped-up into a frenzy of ill-informed discontent by the greatest influence in their young lives? Disgusted that these people (Those that the parents put so much trust in) have the audacity to express their personal opinions in front of such vulnerable young minds. Keep YOUR politics (Whatever they may be) at home and let the youth of this country form their own opinions and not just adopt yours.


Not good

Posted on 05-09-2014 14:57 | By How about this view!

to be critical of teachers bringing their political views into the school yard, as they will be editorially binned. Keep politics OUT OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS, and sanction those that use their position of trust in the community to influence others.


Children First

Posted on 05-09-2014 16:45 | By Jack Attack

Excellent to see Primary School teachers putting the child's education before the greed of a few so called 'master teachers' who, you can bet your bottom dollar will not be at the chalk face. The Nats flawed policy will see more talk fests & less real teaching.


Nats are crazy.

Posted on 05-09-2014 16:57 | By dgk

Keep politicians and their crazy ideas out of schools, we don't need politics warping young minds.


teachers wanting action?

Posted on 05-09-2014 18:18 | By YOGI BEAR

perhaps results would be better aimed at the children, a good education, can hardly claim more/better everything when the NZ education is dropping to the bottom end in the OCED. Perhaps the best teachers are no longer there anymore?


One Eyed View

Posted on 05-09-2014 18:50 | By Disappointed

How about the fact that 93% of primary teachers voted against the policy of paying a select few more for the questionable quantification of success. Rather than take a political policy as gospel it would behoove some individuals to listen to those professionals who live for the betterment of our young.


Part two...

Posted on 05-09-2014 18:51 | By Dr. N

I'd like to make it clear that I myself am not in any way involved in the profession beyond taking an informed stance against its degradation by governments who refuse to take in to account the professional opinions (thats right, PROFESSIONAL not PERSONAL) and input of Educators and their communities. We should be proud that these Educators are so passionate about this cause. I wonder whether above mentioned 'blind followers and sycophants' realise exactly what the implications of this government's wider education policies will have on our world class, world envied education system? I'll tell them; this and other policies will cause the wholesale homogenisation and commercialisation of our schools into what they consider to be 'successful businesses' not only will they be forced to treat our children like statistics and numbers to be graphed and analysed, but they will continue to weaken vital community input in their success.


Sorry guys

Posted on 05-09-2014 20:47 | By How about this view!

This has got me incredibly riled up. Mr or Mrs dgk- What exactly is "REAL TEACHING" these days? When we have EVERY party wanting to tinker with the education system one tends to think that it is a major problem with the advisors to the politicians (Most Polys wouldn't know a good idea if it hit them in the face) I would suggest that these advisors are going to be the very people that are training the teachers, the academics. Education failures are not the fault of the government of the day (RED or BLUE) but the academics that are trying to make a name for themselves or are hoping to be asked for a contribution to a trainee teachers text book.


?

Posted on 05-09-2014 23:38 | By Capt_Kaveman

become better at teaching and or come up with the times and stop bulling and teasing behavior


Practically speaking

Posted on 06-09-2014 08:36 | By The author of this comment has been removed.

Who is to judge the selection of a master teacher? The principal? (only his opinion), A group of teachers? ( the most popular person in the school)?, or an outside independent person?, or a mix of all of these? Then there is travel time, planning time, talking to the teacher you are replacing, all whilst you are doing your normal teaching job. I wouldn't do it. Teachers can win by not accepting the position ie nobody wants to do it!


Master teachers

Posted on 06-09-2014 10:43 | By How about this view!

I have seen what I can only describe as an attitude of arrogance amongst the teaching profession, Look at the comments. So we have a LOT of people with degrees who WANT to be seen as the best, but there is a colossal fear over what will happen to their enormous ego if they are judged by others as just being adequate. Many are just that, adequate, Many are poor to inept and can't be removed no-matter how many parental complaints and SOME are truly amazing and should be lauded by all. Schools are closed environments, so once term starts each precious little teachers sole is insulated from judgement by the classroom door. If they don't perform, who cares? There's another intake next year.


Post script

Posted on 06-09-2014 10:49 | By How about this view!

MOST of us would LOVE the opportunity to tell our employer that we know best and that we will not be doing the work that we are paid to do, but what do you think would happen to the business? It would be killed by know-it-alls.


The reality

Posted on 06-09-2014 10:59 | By penguin

It is great to see some of the comments supporting the stand that teachers, as professionals, are taking over this issue. One point needs to be strongly reinforced. The position taken by teachers is based on evidence from studies that the government's plan will not work. Teachers, not the government, are the trained professionals in their field. A further critical point is that teachers are STANDING UP FOR THE GOOD OF THE STUDENTS and not for any personal benefits to teachers. Their stand is based on well-founded professional knowledge. John Key is being deceptive in saying that the NZEI (teachers' Institute) is aligned with the Labour party and ‘playing' politics. Key is the one fundamentally ‘playing' with children's futures. It's basic logic that to use the $260m directly to address special needs, smaller classes and increased support services, would have more far-reaching benefits beyond any other misguided plan of government


to How about this view!

Posted on 06-09-2014 11:06 | By penguin

Such a jaundiced viewpoint. I wonder if you feel the same about police, fire-fighters, ambulance staff, doctors, nurses, midwives, builders, accountants, lawyers, rubbish collectors etc etc etc?


Hi penguin

Posted on 06-09-2014 12:16 | By How about this view!

I don't tend to get so agitated when I consider the Police, Ambulance staff and any other professionals that you might name (although I suspect that the unions will have hospital staff outside the gates in the next week or so). As I stated in an earlier loony rant, I believe that this is politically motivated because over many years and under different governments we have had our arrogant teaching PROFESSIONALS saying that the way they are being ASKED to work doesn't suit the environment that they lord-it over. Government advice in just about every area that governments get their nasty little noses into comes from ACADEMICS - THE PROFESSIONALS! Could I further suggest that academia is heavily weighted towards extreme far left politics, the "We know best brigade". YES, YES, YES have this debate but NOT in the classroom and NOT at election time. SHAME on these PROFESSIONALS


for How about this view!

Posted on 06-09-2014 13:16 | By penguin

Do some in-depth research to back up your statement about teachers being politically motivated. Teachers have often worked successfully and cooperatively with either party. NZEI has existed for over 125 years and has rarely been involved in direct action; testament to the successful relationship there has been with governments. However, when the future of children is under threat from ill-informed policies from a government that is hell-bent on implementing them without consultation with the professionals, then teachers WILL STAND UP ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN. That is their ethical right to do so. Did you chastise fire-fighters when they protested over inadequate manning of trucks? How about wharfies, airline pilots, seafarers or truck drivers etc? Sadly, your negativism is based on erroneous assumptions. Perhaps your memories of school were unhappy ones? Maybe you could offer to assist as a helper in a classroom where you will find the reality?


Last gasp

Posted on 06-09-2014 14:55 | By How about this view!

Your assumption that I have spent no time in a classroom is incorrect, in fact I have some very disturbing factual observations of your chosen profession. The fact that some are swept under the rug by the teachers council is another subject for another time. It is interesting that you should attack the messenger rather than the message, that being, Political views should be aired outside of the CLASSROOM!!!! I know NOTHING of the NZEI, but if they are party to providing the RESEARCH to the government of the day, then that would indicate to me that there are some serious failures within this organisation also. Without trialing a new idea we would all still be living without the power to run our computers. KEEP YOUR PERSONAL VIEWS OUT OF THE CLASSROOM!!!


Your confusion...How about this view!

Posted on 06-09-2014 22:01 | By penguin

So be it with your misplaced views. An assumption - my chosen profession? You aptly described your own earlier presentation as a 'loony rant.” I suggest that pretty effectively describes most of what you have attempted to express! It is fortunate that there are many well-informed members of society who are supportive of teachers and the exceptional work that they do.


It is sad.......

Posted on 08-09-2014 23:52 | By groutby

That once again the teaching union has seemingly infiltrated teachers minds to turn against a sensible and futuristic idea such as this. How better to advance young minds than by allowing good teachers to become better ones and mentor those needing a reason to become and achieve similar goals. My sadness is that as it is, the teaching profession is so embraced in the "one standard for all" syndrome, as comfortable as it may seem to those in the profession, actually harms the learning skills and attributes of young and vulnerable students. Long term, these students will absolutely NOT achieve there full potential. Teachers, please take a look outside of your "closed window" and see how achievement in the "real" world is done, before it's too late and radical change is forced upon you.It will have to happen at some point.


for groutby

Posted on 09-09-2014 17:16 | By penguin

There are so many misconceptions in your statement. You obviously know very little about the teaching profession and education in general. You imply that teachers don't currently mentor and support one another. Wrong! If you understood the education process, you would know that a ‘business' model cannot be imposed on education. It does not fit. As for your comment that teachers need to see how the real world is, how do you explain the fact that NZ has one of the highest standards of education in the world? It has been dedicated, professional teachers along with supportive parents and sensible governments that have brought this about. It did not happen by accident or by misguided policies or by teachers living within four walls with closed windows. Note: the teacher Institute (union) is composed of teachers and has the biggest membership of any such body in NZ. Look for the facts


Very predictable penguin....

Posted on 10-09-2014 23:26 | By groutby

Your somewhat vitriolic comments are predictable, and I offer this somewhat more rational reply. To assume that I know "very little' of the teaching profession is itself is quite correct...it is not a profession I ever wished to be engaged with. However after raising five children and school involvement with ten grandchildren, along with being involved on a "day to day' basis in my employment within schools, I could be somewhat "miffed" at your assumption of my ignorance. You are TEACHERS..not MASTERS.. Secondly in response to your comments re. teaching standards in NZ please read from page 131 of the recent OECD review, not as rosy as you suggest when you look for your "facts" are they?..third, being a member of a large union does not make it right for our children does it?


and likewise groutby

Posted on 12-09-2014 15:51 | By penguin

Sure, you responded (however, 'ditto” regarding your assertion about vitriolic comments). Incidentally, having a family and grandchildren and ‘working as your employment in schools' does not necessarily prevent you from being jaundiced in your view of teachers. No-one suggested that teachers are ‘masters.' You seem to be conveniently overlooking the glaringly basic fact that teachers are not taking action against flawed policies for any advantage to themselves. They are standing up for the very children and grandchildren that you and thousands of others entrust to the care of professionals. For the record, I stated that our education system was one of the best in the world, not the best. New Zealand's system has remained in the top ten out of 32 OECD countries for years; therefore, ‘we' must be doing something positive!! I trust your grandchildren reap the benefit, with the collaborative support of families and others....


Teachers

Posted on 18-09-2014 13:30 | By YOGI BEAR

It has more of a look of handout for thy self if you ask me.


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