1 September 2004

Settlement welcomed

Education Minister Trevor Mallard today welcomed the ratification of the new three-year collective employment agreement for secondary teachers.

"This settlement is good news for teachers, parents and students and represents a new and constructive way of working together for the Ministry of Education and the PPTA. It is the culmination of 16 months work by both parties prior to formal negotiations, and puts in place a work programme which will support and promote excellence in teaching," Trevor Mallard said.

"The agreement builds on the recommendations of the Ministerial Taskforce which reported to me last year. That taskforce presented a package of proposals to raise the overall professional capability of the secondary teaching workforce through a commitment to lifelong learning throughout a teacher’s career.

"One key outcome of the work programme will be more support and professional development for all teachers and especially beginning teachers, the development of career pathways for classroom teachers and new advanced practice-based qualifications.

"This government is committed to giving everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential and we are intent on raising education standards of all our students through quality teaching and our significant investment in education.

"I am sure that the outcome of the work programme will optimise the recruitment and retention of highly capable and effective secondary teachers who will contribute significantly to improving the educational achievement of their students.”

The structure of the package includes improvements to pay and working conditions over the term of the three-year agreement.

Included in the package is a $500 lump sum payment in recognition of the work PPTA members will do as they take part in the work programme outlined above.

ENDS

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