25 September 2007

New Zealand will need 1,000 more primary teachers next year

Nearly 1,000 New Zealand primary school classes could be without a teacher next year as the government scrambles to fulfill a promise to decrease class sizes, reports the Sunday Star Times. New Zealand primary schools need qualified and experienced teachers interested in New Zealand immigration to fill this critical shortage.

Nearly 1,000 New Zealand primary school classes could be without a teacher next year as the government scrambles to fulfill a promise to decrease class sizes, reports the Sunday Star Times. New Zealand primary schools need qualified and experienced teachers interested in New Zealand immigration to fill this critical shortage.

From May next year, the government has promised that every new entrants class (year one) will only have 18 pupils, rather than the current 23. Estimates vary as to how many new teachers will be needed but, the Sunday Star Times reports that Ministry of Education documents obtained by the National Party under the Official Information Act indicate between 700 and 930 extra teachers will be necessary.

In one of the Ministry of Education reports, from April this year, Education Minister Steve Maharey was warned that "approximately two thirds of the 700 (extra) positions will not be able to be filled" without importing teachers from overseas.

The Ministry has begun an advertising campaign in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada for teachers interested in New Zealand immigration.

Primary teachers are also now on the New Zealand immigration immediate skills shortage list, which makes it easier for overseas teachers to get a New Zealand visa under the points based system. They may be eligible to have their New Zealand visa fast-tracked and there may be some assistance available for relocation costs.

New Zealand needs primary school teachers: Anyone interested in New Zealand immigration should complete the New Zealand Visa Bureau's online New Zealand visa assessment to see if they qualify for a New Zealand visa.