The New Zealand government has announced a new drive to recruit and retain teachers next year, including those from overseas.
The government has announced a NZ$9.5 million supply package to address immediate pressures, with many schools facing a shortage of teachers.
“Principals have been telling the Government for many months they are desperately trying to plug a major shortage of teachers in locations such as Auckland and in subjects including science, te reo MÄori, technology and maths,” said New Zealand’s Education Minister Chris Hipkins.
“This Government has prioritised funding for a NZ$9.5 million boost to address immediate pressures while the need for further initiatives will be considered for Budget 2018. The funding, which is approved by Cabinet, will support more graduates into permanent teaching positions, support experienced teachers back into the profession and recruit new graduates into teaching,” Hipkins added.
The funding package announced by the government includes promoting and making it faster, easier and cheaper for overseas teachers from the UK, Ireland, Canada, South Africa and Fiji to come and work in New Zealand.
“Together with a commitment to address teacher workloads and to raise the status of the profession, this is the first stage of a comprehensive programme to alleviate teacher shortages and build a strong and engaged workforce,” Mr Hipkins concluded.
Article published 13th December 2017