Schools support staff – heroes of the education sector

11 June 2013

Immediate Release

Schools support staff – heroes of the education sector

Schools around the country will be celebrating the role of support staff tomorrow (Wednesday 12 June).

NZEI National President Judith Nowotarski says school support staff are the unsung heroes of the education system in a wide variety of roles.

“Administrative staff have been on the frontline of the Novopay debacle sorting out pay issues and keeping school finances sound. Teacher aides play a frontline role in assisting teachers in the classroom. IT support , science technicians, sports co-ordinators and school librarians keep children engaged with school and with learning. Support staff are a vitally important workforce and make an enormous contribution to supporting children’s learning and ensuring schools can operate as good learning environments.

Judith Nowotarski will be speaking at a function in Wellington tomorrow evening to mark the occasion.

She says that while schools acknowledge the importance of their support staff, because of current funding arrangements many support staff are on low pay and have little or no job security.

“School support staff are a skilled and committed workforce but they get a raw deal when it comes to pay, with many at levels barely above the minimum wage. Many are on fixed-term positions and do not know from term to term or year to year whether they will have a job. “

She says that in the past year especially we’ve seen the dedication of these workers.

“Many office administration staff have borne the brunt of the Novopay debacle and worked long hours to try to ensure school staff were being paid and helping teachers sort out their payroll problems.”

“The education sector has relied on the dedication and professionalism of these workers and we certainly believe they should be more fairly acknowledged for their contribution.”

Functions for school support staff will be taking place around the country today and celebrate Support Staff Day, NZEI has produced a video showing the impact staff have in their schools. Visit www.nzei.org.nz
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