October 16, 2018
All teachers challenged to widen world view
WHETU CORMICK INTERVIEW CLICK HERE
The head of the Principals Federation says a lack of familiarity with things Māori can’t be held against migrant teachers – because many New Zealand-born teachers also lack cultural awareness.
The Education Minister has launched an overseas recruitment campaign to make up a projected shortage of over 800 teachers next ear.
Whetū Cormick says while teacher unions would prefer more people being recruited and trained here, every principal and schools is likely to be struggling with the current shortage, especially in maths, sciences and te reo Māori.
While there is reason to be concerned about a lack of cultural knowledge, it’s not limited to migrants.
"Some of our own New Zealand teachers have not explored their own ability to culturally connect with our young people so there is much work to do for New Zealand teachers who are non-Māori to understand thre is another world view and their own world view is not the only one, there is a Māori world view and also a Pasifika world view," Mr Cormick say.
The Government has promised to provide the new teachers with professional development to help them be responsive to the needs of Māori pupils.
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