It is back to school week, and despite a government plan to improve the teacher to student ratio a survey shows principals are struggling to find "quality teachers" for the vacancies they already have.
The government is set to introduce a ratio of one teacher for
every 18 Year One pupils in the second term this year. Nearly 300
extra teachers will be needed in Auckland alone to reduce class
sizes.
Seventy nine schools responded to the survey which found nearly
three quarters of teachers shortlisted for jobs late last year were
of "poor" or "very poor" quality.
The survey also found that many overseas candidates shortlisted lacked adequate English language skills.
"We've known that there is going to be a shortage ... the government has known about if for a while as well," says Auckland Primary Principals Association President Ken Pemberton.
Last September the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), which represents primary and intermediate school teachers, said figures from the Department of Labour put primary school teachers in the top ten list of highest vacancy "high skill" jobs.
Meanwhile, the NZEI is quietly confident they are close to finalising a $300 million pay deal.
The NZEI reached a breakthrough in negotiations last year and over the next month teachers will vote on whether to ratify it.
The package includes a 4% pay rise for members over the next two to three years.
NZEI president Frances Nelson says the deal will help retain experienced staff by paying more to those who do take up management roles.
Nelson says 51% of teachers need to be in favour of the deal for it to go through.
