Jenny Marcroft MP

New Zealand First List MP

22 February 2018
Protecting the Status of Teachers

New Zealand First MP Jenny Marcroft’s private member’s bill protecting the professional status of teachers passed its first reading last night.

The Education (Protecting Teacher Title) Amendment Bill protects the title of “teacher” and will stop those without the appropriate qualification using this title

“The bill will elevate the public status of teachers and provide parents with a clear distinction between teachers who are fully trained and qualified, and those who are not,” Ms Marcroft says.

“Teaching is complex and requires significant skills and training. In spite of this there remains a prevailing notion that anyone can teach. This is simply nonsense,” she says.

“If we are going to have strong partnerships with whānau and communities to improve the educational outcomes of all tamariki, we must ensure the professional status of teachers is recognised.”

The bill will now go to the Education and Workforce Select Committee for consideration.

ENDS.

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