Anne Tolley

6 April, 2011

Recruiting and retaining quality teachers

Education Minister Anne Tolley says improvements to the teaching workforce will be addressed at a two-day forum which gets underway in Wellington tomorrow.

�This event is extremely important as we look at ways to improve the quality of teaching, retain great teachers and lift student achievement,� says Mrs Tolley.

�Representatives from right across the education sector will discuss a range of recommendations, following over 900 submissions from teachers, principals, sector groups and the public.�

Proposals will be discussed in a number of key areas such as:

� Changes to initial teacher education
� Reward, recognition and career progression for teachers, and
� Leadership in schools and the profession

Members of the Education Workforce Advisory Group will be leading the discussion sessions at the forum.

�We all have a stake in recruiting and retaining the very best teachers to give every single young New Zealander the opportunity to reach their potential,� says Mrs Tolley.

�As we look to the future we need to work constructively together and listen to new and innovative ideas, to benefit students and teachers.�

A summary of the submissions received during consultation is available at www.minedu.govt.nz