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Wairarapa can chalk up almost 13 extra secondary teachers from the latest government staffing boost aimed at raising education standards in our schools, says Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer.
Georgina says students at secondary schools across Wairarapa will next year have the opportunity to benefit from an estimated extra 12.9 full-time equivalent teachers. These positions are over and above any teacher increases required to meet roll growth.
Education Minister Trevor Mallard today announced $111.3m would be spent nationally over four years for 460 more full-time secondary teacher equivalents.
Georgina Beyer says the extra secondary teacher positions are part of a major shot in the arm over recent years for education in Wairarapa.
"Those extra teachers or equivalents next year will be part of an estimated increase of 34.9 secondary teachers - above those required for roll growth - joining Wairarapa staffrooms since 2001."
Georgina Beyer says the government is answering the demand for more secondary teachers in subjects like maths, Te Reo and chemistry. Thousands of new bonded scholarships for student teachers, worth up to $20,000 each, were announced today.
Also announced this week were several hundred new scholarships to attract early childhood teachers as part of a government commitment to get more under-fives into first-rate, accessible and affordable early childhood education.
Georgina Beyer says the extra scholarships and additional secondary teachers cap further investment in education spending by government.
By the end of next year, Wairarapa can expect to see 64.8 more full time teacher equivalents in primary and secondary schools than in 2000 - beyond those needed for roll growth. Nationally since 2001, operational funding (excludes teacher salaries and other grants) for all schools is up over ten per cent beyond roll growth and inflation.
"This government doesn't just talk the talk of improving education. We chalk up the chalk," said Georgina Beyer.
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