STRIKE NEWS: Secondary teachers engage in government discussions

<h2>The union representing secondary teachers&comma; PPTA&comma; started discussions with the government last week for a new collective agreement&period;<&sol;h2>&NewLine;<p>PPTA has presented a claim to turn around secondary teacher shortages and ensure schools can attract and keep great teachers&period; Key claims include a 15 percent pay increase&comma; more time to create enriching learning environments for students&comma; and community liaison positions so teachers can really get to know their M&amacr;ori and Pasifika communities&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<p>PPTA president Jack Boyle says&comma; &OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;We teach because we are motivated by bringing out the best in our students&period; We want them to leave school equipped with the skills&comma; confidence&comma; values and knowledge that will allow them to make the most of every opportunity in life&period;”<&sol;p>&NewLine;<blockquote>&NewLine;<p>&OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;That’s why these discussions are so important&period; It’s a great chance to get things right for teachers and kids&period;”<&sol;p>&NewLine;<&sol;blockquote>&NewLine;<p>&OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;The education system is suffering after a decade of under-funding and neglect&period; Secondary schools around the country are experiencing an unprecedented shortage of teachers&period; Teachers are struggling with over-assessment&comma; red tape and box-ticking&comma; and children are missing out on the one-on-one time they need with their teachers&period;” Boyle says&period;<&sol;p>&NewLine;<blockquote>&NewLine;<p>&OpenCurlyDoubleQuote;Prime Minister&comma; Jacinda Ardern has said she wants New Zealand to be a great place to bring up a child&period; We agree and hope she takes this opportunity to transform the lives of children across the country by making teaching a meaningful and respected career for people to pursue&period;”<&sol;p>&NewLine;<&sol;blockquote>&NewLine;