Minister's education views reveal narrow government focus

Minister's education views reveal narrow government focus

5 April 2016

The government needs to be reminded that without teachers, students would not be in a position to study for highly paid occupations such as those in science, technology, engineering and maths, says NZEI Te Riu Roa national executive member Lynda Stuart.

She says Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce's released information ranking the pay rates of occupations is another indication of the government’s narrow view on education.

“In releasing the information, Steven Joyce said that this ‘underlines the importance of encouraging more students to study for highly paid occupations’ in order to ‘set them up for a prosperous future’.

“This is another indication of the growing imbalance in the economy and the lack of value the government places on many essential occupations, such as teaching, that provide for social good," she said.

“Teachers are vitally important to the well-being and long term future of children. The fact that they are not being valued by this government is another indication of its narrow and ill-considered view.

"Surely as a nation we have a more holistic view of what constitutes the important features of prosperity and a successful society. ”

Lynda Stuart said it is important to remember that technology is changing rapidly and that future generations will need to be well educated, flexible and resilient if they are to be successful citizens.

"The importance of teachers in fostering a life long love of learning with all students should not be underestimated."

ends

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