Kia ora koutou,
The education system has entered (yet another) period of change. I can only imagine how you must be feeling and so my message today is to say thank you. Thank you for the continued professionalism and the work you do every day. You make a difference to the tamariki and rangatahi you work with every day. The teaching profession has a role to play in shaping the education system and it is my job to ensure your expert opinions are understood and used to influence the system design. One point of difference is that you as educators take a 15–25-year view and have your vision on our mokopuna.
Never let anyone tell you that what you do is easy. Not everyone can be a teacher, there is no such thing as an unqualified teacher, and it takes at least five years to become a teacher. That is because what you do is hard, and it takes time and support to develop the expertise.
I hope you can hold your head up high and be proud of what you do. You are a teacher.
There are two things I'd like to draw your attention to. Firstly, our consultation on lifting the maths entry criteria for Initial Teacher Education primary programmes, this consultation closes at the end of September, and we look forward to getting your feedback.
Secondly, the end of 2024 means we’re fast approaching elections for members of the Teaching Council Board. Every three years the profession has the opportunity to vote for candidates to represent your sector on the Teaching Council Board. The call for nominees will be in late October, with the election to be held early in 2025. There will be more information up on the Teaching Council website soon and I encourage people to think about taking this opportunity to lead the direction of the profession by thinking about standing or nominating someone.
Please keep an eye on your inbox for further election information coming very soon. Until I speak to you next time, take care!
Noho ora mai,
Lesley Hoskin, Tumu Whakarae | Chief Executive
|