English language schools NOT poaching state staff

English language schools NOT poaching state school staff

A survey of English language schools reveals that only 5 per cent of teaching staff have been recruited from state schools in the last two years.

The survey also revealed that pay rates and conditions are less favourable in English language schools than their state counterparts.

Commenting, Michael Barnett, Chief Executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, said the survey outcome seemed to “demolish a myth” that the recent explosion in English language schools was encouraging state school teachers across to the private sector for better pay and conditions.

Of 26 English language schools employing 596 teachers who responded, just 31 (5%) were qualified practicing primary or secondary school teachers in the last two years.

Comments from respondents included that English language schools didn’t pay enough to attract state school teachers, and offered less job security. Some noted that the sole reason for a state teacher switching to an English language school was for lower stress, but the drop in income and holidays (generally 3 weeks) was too high for most.

“The English language school business is obviously not a major ‘poacher’ of state school staff judging from this evidence,” said Mr Barnett.

“With English language teaching of international students now contributing more than a billion dollars annually to the nation’s gross domestic economy and arguably injecting a sustainable ‘new tier’ of business into Auckland’s economy, it is important that we fully explore any myths and claims about the industry’s negative impact on other sectors,” concluded Mr Barnett.

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