Lack of Democracy Undermines Education Council

'A huge rise in teacher registration fees is mooted and principals feel ownership of their own Education Council's decisions is being undermined through having no democratically elected members,' says Whetu Cormick, President of the New Zealand Principals' Federation (NZPF).

In the lead up to the establishment of the Education Council, the Federation presented strong arguments for having democratically elected teaching professionals on the Education Council.

'We wanted the majority of Education Council members elected by the profession and did not want all the members appointed by the Minister,' said Cormick.

The Education Council is the teachers' own professional and regulatory body and exists to advocate for and support teachers in their professional duties. It's role is to champion the profession. It is funded through fees that teachers and principals pay for their teacher registration.

'We want to work in true collaboration with the Minister, Ministry and the Education Council so that we are constantly improving the quality of our teaching and the way we lead our schools,' said Cormick.

'We want to give New Zealand's young people the best opportunities for life-long success,' he said.

'Taking away our rights as a profession to elect our own representatives to our own Education Council undermines our trust which has a negative impact on open and honest collaboration,' he said.

ENDS

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