Paul Henry: Teacher unions can’t even decide what they’re arguing

“Teacher unions have spent the last 24 hours proving exactly why New Zealand’s classrooms need change," says ACT candidate Paul Henry.

“The response has been laughable. On one hand they say our policy is pointless because teachers already have these powers. On the other they say giving teachers these powers will lead to chaos in classrooms.

“So, which one is it guys?

“If teachers already have the powers we are talking about, then the unions have nothing to fear. If they don’t, then they should welcome ACT making the law crystal clear so teachers can get on with teaching.

“They can’t have it both ways.

“The unions have also wrapped themselves in concern for children with learning difficulties. That’s rich coming from the very organisations that have spent years attacking charter schools that are often specifically designed to help children who haven’t thrived in the mainstream system.

“You can’t claim to be standing up for children with additional learning needs while opposing one of the most successful models for helping them.

“Teachers tell us they are losing valuable learning time every day because of a small number of disruptive students. Parents know it… students know it. The only people pretending everything is fine seem to be the unions.

“Then there’s our appalling bullying problem. New Zealand students report feeling less safe in their classrooms than students in the United States. If anyone thinks there’s no problem to solve, that statistic alone should change their mind.”

“Every objection they’ve raised has centred around the problem child. What about the other 25 children in the classroom who are missing out having their potential unlocked?

“Under ACT’s policy, teachers can know that if a student seriously disrupts a class or refuses a lawful instruction, the law is on the teacher’s side.

“And perhaps that’s what really worries the unions.

“If teachers can finally do their job without worrying they’ll end up dragged before the Teaching Council for maintaining order in the classroom, perhaps fewer teachers will see the value in paying union fees to organisations that seem more interested in protecting ideology than protecting teachers.

“ACT trusts teachers. It’s a shame the teacher unions don’t seem to trust them nearly as much.”