New Zealand teachers are voicing significant concerns regarding the implementation of a new curriculum. The main issues revolve around inadequate training and resources, leading to an unsustainable workload. Teachers feel they are expected to implement 80% of a changed job while still performing their existing roles without proper support.
The government's lack of guidance on assessing and reporting the new curriculum leaves schools in limbo. Teachers struggle to find suitable maths programmes and must divert funds from other budgets to purchase necessary literacy resources. The current assessment methods are deemed largely incompatible with the new curriculum.
The excessive workload is a major concern, forcing teachers to work additional hours after school and potentially leading to burnout and staff shortages. The current system is described as 'impossible' to manage without sacrificing other essential tasks. Many teachers are considering leaving the profession due to the increased pressure.
Teachers suggest several solutions: reviewing and possibly adapting existing overseas assessments to better suit New Zealand's needs, streamlining assessments to focus on key indicators, and providing more non-contact time for planning and professional development. A teacher apprenticeship model is also proposed to attract and retain talent. Finally, increased teacher pay is advocated to reflect the value of their profession and prevent further exodus to countries with better conditions.
The article highlights the issue of teacher pay in New Zealand, comparing it unfavorably with that in Australia. While increased non-contact time is acknowledged as a positive step, the overarching concern remains the need for fair compensation that acknowledges the demanding nature of the job and the long-term investment in children's education.