Concern expressed for young teachers

Press, 15 December 1983, Page 3

Concern expressed for young teachers

Primary schoolteachers have less chance of finding a job this year than last year, according to the New Zealand Educational Institute. The institute, which re-

presents primary teachers, was very concerned about the prospects of employment for teachers in Christchurch and Canterbury, said Christchurch branch president, Mr Hugh Brown. There appeared to be a large number of teachers who would not be employed in 1984, he said. The Canterbury Education Board had stated that Year 2 and 3 teachers would be employed, said Mr Brown. Year 1 teachers were guaranteed jobs as part of their training. “The teachers beyond Year 3 are particularly at risk,” he said. Forty-seven of these were prepared to teach in country areas. Only a few would get positions, he said. “It is a poor situation when teachers of this experience who have expressed their commitment to teaching are unable to obtain employment. These are teachers we can ill-afford to lose,” he said.