Reward excellent teachers, not strikers

ACT Education spokesperson Laura McClure says today’s teacher strikes show how broken New Zealand’s education pay system really is.

“Many New Zealanders can recall a teacher who made a real difference in their lives through commitment, passion, and dedication. Great teachers inspire great futures. But under the current system, those who go the extra mile are paid exactly the same as those who simply turn up to eat their lunch,” says McClure.

“Unions argue the answer is always more money and more strikes. But the real problem is compulsory union contracts that lock every teacher into the same rigid pay scale, regardless of performance. That system discourages excellence and prevents our best teachers from getting the recognition they deserve.

“ACT has long argued for a different approach. Our proposed Teaching Excellence Reward Fund would empower principals and boards of trustees to reward exceptional teachers directly, ensuring that the most inspiring and hardworking educators are acknowledged for their impact.

"The millions tied up in bloat and bureaucracy at the Ministry of Education could easily fund a policy that rewards excellence in the classroom.

“If unions are serious about valuing teachers, they should support reform that allows the best teachers to be paid more.

“New Zealand’s children deserve an education system that encourages excellence, and that starts with rewarding the great teachers who shape our future.”