Kia Orana Editor, 

I agree with Joe TP's 10 points for improved education and have two more to add for regenerative education planning:

#11 - Put into action a consistent system for training new teachers. 

Our own Teacher's College has, in the past, produced some excellent teachers.

It does my heart good to see ones like Eve Reea, who began her teaching career at Apii Te Uki Ou, now so successful in Aitutaki that earlier this year she was invited to share her ideas with teachers in NZ.

At Careers Day last year some students told me they wanted to become teachers. How can they achieve this goal? We need good training that results in teachers ultimately coming home to teach.

Unfortunately, our own Teachers College has been an on again, off again affair for years. 

#12 Upskill teachers, but not at the expense of students. When I was a school principal I expected, and had, passionate, fully committed colleagues. When the idea was introduced that teachers would have to take on extra studies to 'upskill', I refused because teachers were already busy enough and such a requirement would mean something would have to give.Twenty years on, I have observed my fears become reality, with students suffering as teachers focus on getting their qualifications. 

Is it possible to rotate teachers so that, for example, a teacher is released for 6 months or one year of full time, fully focused upskilling?

This would mean having a pool of relieving teachers which, I realize  in the present climate of staff shortages makes this a fanciful notion. But, perhaps in partnership with overseas education it could be done? Perhaps Cook Islanders teaching overseas would consider playing a part to strengthen our nation by doing a one year stint back home. 

With regards to pay, Andrew and I don't have debt, live off the land to a large extent and live within our means, so when I was free to teach, $19 an hour was fine. It does seem unjust though that hours don't include preparation and finishing / assessment time or attending staff meetings. Then last year I found out there are house cleaners getting paid a lot better than I was!

One does wonder at the lack of value we put on our future.

June Hosking 

Also read:

Letter: ‘Please more action less words’

Letter: Addressing education concerns

Letter: Tereora College ‘on life support’