Budget will not solve crisis in teaching

Budget will not solve crisis in teaching

The Government’s funding increase for teachers is a positive step but fails to address the student debt that is preventing teachers from going into rural schools.

“Student fees are already a huge barrier to participation,” said Greg Henderson, WTTA President. “With current fee levels set to rise, the extra funding will not get graduates into the provinces where teachers are desperately needed.”

“Wellington College of Education students face the threat of fees almost doubling if they rise to the level of the new fee maxima,” said Henderson. “Fee rises lead to massive debts which encourage graduates to teach overseas, making the current teacher shortage even worse.”

“The Government must invest more money into education to allow providers to lower fees and deliver quality education,” said Henderson. “This budget takes us further away from solving the ongoing crisis in teaching, not closer.”

“Access and quality in teacher education provides a crucial building block for New Zealand’s Knowledge Society,” said Henderson.

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