January 30, 2014
Collaboration a kura kaupapa
A leading Maori educator says new roles and higher pay for high performing teachers will be welcomed by Maori immersion schools.
The Government intends to create a new role of executive principal who will oversee a cluster of schools in addition to their own, as well as change principals to turn around poorly performing schools.
It will also pay some teachers more, either as experts in particular subject areas or lead teachers who will guide and mentor those around them.
Toni Waho, the chair of Te Runanga Nui o Nga Kura Kaupapa Maori o Aotearoa, says it formalises the cooperative and collaborative approach that already exists among kura.
"Well I think it’s a natural Maori thing that when someone is more knowlegeable than you, more experienced and doing a better job and you know that, you've got that gut instinct, and you want to see yourself improve and help do a better job for your whanau you call out to that person and see if they can help," he says.
Mr Waho says his own career as a teacher and principal has been helped by the supportive relationships he has formed with more experienced colleagues.
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