De-registered teachers a tiny percentage

13th February 2012

For Immediate Release

De-registered teachers a tiny percentage

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says it’s important to look beyond the headlines and see that the number of teachers who have been de-registered make up a very small percentage of the teaching workforce.

Figures from the Teachers Council show that in the past two years 50 teachers had their teaching licenses revoked for serious misconduct.

Out of a teaching workforce of around 100,000, that represents about 25 teachers a year, which translates to just .025 percent.

NZEI President Ian Leckie says that sort of perspective is important.

“We see the headlines screaming that hundreds of teachers are unfit to teach, but it’s important to drill down into the figures and see how few are actually being struck off and put it within the broader picture”.

Mr Leckie believes the figures also show that the disciplinary procedures for teachers are robust and there is a high degree of accountability.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to vet out anyone who should not be teaching because we want the highest quality teachers in front of our children. The public should be reassured to know that the percentage of teachers who fall into this category is so very low and that those who do pose a risk are being dealt with,” he says.

More than a third of complaints made against teachers are also dismissed.

Ian Leckie says that highlights that as a profession, teachers can often be targeted by vexatious or unwarranted grievances.