Key Notes: The Prime Minister's newsletter

Recognising excellent teachers and principals, keeping good teachers in the classroom, and sharing expertise across schools.

I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas break and are starting 2014 refreshed and energised. I know I am.

This week I gave my first speech of the year where I set out the next step in National's plan to raise the achievement of New Zealand students.

A big focus for me as Prime Minister has been on education.

I believe every child deserves the best education possible. I passionately believe this, because I am one of those kids who grew up in a state house yet, thanks largely to an outstanding education, I've been able to achieve my dreams.

We already have a great education system. But there are still far too many kids doing poorly at school. We need to make some changes.

The next step in our plan is to recognise excellent teachers and principals, keep good teachers in the classroom, and share expertise across schools.

We are introducing four new roles - Executive Principals, Expert Teachers, Lead Teachers, and Change Principals.

International evidence and New Zealand-based research clearly shows the quality of teaching is the most important factor in a child's education. Leadership is the second biggest influence.

What we are doing is designed to recognise excellent teachers and give them the opportunity to further their careers while staying in the classroom, and give the best principals the opportunity to support and mentor others.

These are bold, forward-looking changes. They are all about giving our kids the best possible education and raising achievement for all.

Learn more about the changes here. Watch my video here and share your reactions on Facebook and Twitter.

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