Teacher pay figures are correct

Teacher pay figures are correct

The Ministry of Education has released details of how it calculated the total average pay for secondary teachers of $71,110.

“The figure is absolutely plain and correct,” said Fiona McTavish, Group Manager Education Workforce.

“The Ministry calculated the figure using the teacher salary payroll data of 7 April 2010.

“The total base salary bill for secondary teachers for that fortnight’s pay was $46 million. The total allowances bill for secondary teachers was $4.5 million.

“Added together, base salary plus allowances provided the total pay for secondary teachers.

“We divided that total pay by the 18,522 secondary teachers on the teacher salary payroll, and arrived at the figure of $71,110.

“This is very simple maths, and we hope this explanation clears up any misunderstanding,” said Fiona McTavish.

Fiona McTavish said among its package of 46 claims, the PPTA was claiming for increases to both base salary and allowances.

“We will continue to invite the PPTA back to the bargaining table, while making clear that their total package of claims is not realistic or sustainable,” she said.

Information for journalists

Base salary and allowances

• All teachers are paid on the base salary scale, moving up the scale by increment each year.

• The base scale starting salary is $45,653 for secondary teachers with a recognised teaching qualification and a Bachelor’s degree.

• The base scale top salary for secondary teachers is $68,890.

• Around two-thirds of teachers are on the top base salary on their scale.

• Fortysix percent of secondary teachers get allowances on top of their base salary.

• Teachers can earn allowances from their first year in teaching.

• Allowances include additional salary units of $4,000 per year, allowances for particular roles and purposes, and provisions for the payment of expenses.

Calculating the average total pay

• Payday: 7 April 2010

• Number of FTE secondary teachers: 18,522

• Total base salary paid: $46,023,875

• Total allowances paid: $4,494,135

• Total pay: $50,518,010

• Total pay divided by number of teachers = $2,727.46

• $2,727.46 multiplied by 26.07 (total number of pay periods per year) = $71,110.

For more information on teacher pay and conditions, including the Ministry’s offer to the PPTA:
http://www.minedu.govt.nz/teacherpayandconditions

ENDS

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