Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)
PPTA has received two nominations for junior vice president. Each candidate explains why they should be elected. Voting papers will be sent to all branches. Voting closes 5pm, 23 October.
Congratulations to our new president Melanie Webber who was appointed unopposed – look out for a profile on her in our November-December issue.
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Chris Abercrombie – James Hargest College
Having had the experience of working in different schools and in different areas of New Zealand, I understand the varied pressures that we have all faced around the motu.
I’ve been that beginning teacher on a fixed term contract wondering if I was going to be able to pay my bills in February.
I’ve been that teacher in Auckland worrying about paying the rent; with the idea of buying a house a distant dream.
I’ve been that teacher at the only school in a small town and I’ve been the teacher in a large city school. I understand the unique issues and challenges that each face.
I’ve been into schools that are facing a CAPNA and schools that don’t have enough teachers.
I’ve been the Dean and the Middle Leader and I understand the time pressure those positions create.
I’ve been the form teacher, the tutor teacher, the mentor teacher, and all the other names that have been created for the role. I’ve been the TIC by default without any extra pay or time.
Having these experiences means that I can be the voice that will speak for the wide range of teachers that we have in Aotearoa New Zealand. I face the issues and obstacles that we face but I’ve also felt the incredible joy and sense of pride that we all have had as teachers within our classroom and our schools.
We are all a part of this journey. Every school – from Te Tai Tokerau Northland all the way down to the bottom of the waka where I live – should have what they need. What they need so that they can truly bring out the best in their teachers, in their students, and in their communities. When we work together, we can do that.
Joe Hunter – Otago Girls’ High School
Kia ora tātou,
This year has tested us all. There’s a special sort of “tired” just for teachers. But it’s also been a chance to see different ways of doing things, to test the educational waters and find out what really matters.
Our professional expertise and positive relationships with ākonga and their families have enabled us to put their wellbeing and learning above all.
As we move into a major reform of education, it’s vital that our union is part of planned and coherent change. It is critical that we have a strong partnership with a government that supports and values the work that we do. Our union is in good heart and we’re moving forward.
I stand for the future growth and activism of our union in:
- acting as an exemplar in Tiriti partnership
- strengthening our position as the leading voice of education in Aotearoa New Zealand
- exploring new ways of engaging our members at branch and regional levels
- working with government to build the concept of schools as community hubs
- participating as experts in educational change and policy
- ensuring access to quality public education for all students
- leading in professional learning and pursuing our own model of a teaching council
- addressing workload and conditions as core issues for our union
