Latest news with #InitialTeacherEducation
Western Telegraph
6 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Estyn praises Pembroke Dock Community School in report
In a recent Estyn report, the school was described as an 'inspiring and welcoming learning community' led by headteacher Michele Thomas, who was recognised for her 'determined and visionary leadership.' Mrs Thomas, who is retiring after more than 15 years of service, was credited with fostering a culture of high expectations and inclusion. The report highlighted the school's strong emphasis on children's rights, equity, and a nurturing environment, noting that its approach helps to break down barriers to learning and narrow achievement gaps. Phil Bowen, chair of governors, said: "We are immensely grateful to Mrs Thomas for her unwavering dedication over the years. "The recent Estyn report is a testament to the leadership and culture she has fostered. "She leaves behind a legacy of achievement, care, and resilience that will continue to shape the school for years to come. "I congratulate the whole school community on this excellent inspection report." Estyn praised the school's 'rights-respecting ethos,' which promotes fairness and belonging, and commended the leadership team for uniting staff, pupils, parents, and the wider community under a clear, shared vision. The school's partnerships with the community were also highlighted as enhancing pupils' learning and well-being. Pembroke Dock Community School serves as a lead school for Initial Teacher Education (ITE), playing a key role in developing new teachers and fostering a reflective, professional learning culture. The inspectors noted the school's 'inspiring curriculum,' which is rooted in the interests of pupils and the local community. A strong focus on professional development, particularly around teaching writing, has led to consistently strong outcomes. Most pupils write well, and the writing of older pupils was described as 'exceptional,' with creative, purposeful, and technically accurate work evident across the curriculum. The only recommendation from Estyn was to tackle high levels of persistent absenteeism, defined as pupils missing 10 per cent or more of school sessions. Councillor Jon Harvey, leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and a member of the governing body, said: "I am extremely proud to read this report on the excellent work of Pembroke Dock Community School. "A report of this nature does not come about by accident. "It is testament of the efforts of pupils and staff, supported by the governing body and parents and carers." Mrs Thomas said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to lead Pembroke Dock Community School. "I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and know that the school is in a strong position to continue its journey of success."
RNZ News
09-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Government celebrates record increase in teacher numbers
Education Minister Erica Stanford. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone The government is celebrating a record increase in teacher numbers. Education Minister Erica Stanford said a 2.5 percent rise last year included 1128 new primary teachers and 736 in secondary schools - the biggest increase since records began in 2009, while first-time domestic enrolments in Initial Teacher Education rose 6.3 percent from 3400 to 3615. She said the increase has affected every region. "Every region has more teachers than it did a year ago, with particularly strong increases in South and West Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Canterbury. That's a clear sign our reform of the education system is giving people the confidence to choose teaching as a career." She pointed to teacher pay rates and the $53 million in government funding set aside in this year's Budget to cover registration fees as ways the government has encouraged the profession to grow. The registration fee change would not have affected teachers last year, though expectations of it could have encouraged more enrolments. "From scholarships and onsite training pathways to removing financial barriers like registration fees, we've made it easier for people to take that first step into the classroom, and it's working," Stanford said. "We're backing our education workforce - from training to registration to the classroom - because when we support teachers, we support better outcomes for every learner," she said. She noted average total pay was now over $94,000 a year for primary school teachers, and about $101,000 for secondary For principals, the pay increased to $150,000 for primary and $200,000 for secondary, she said. RNZ in April reported the overseas enrolments boosted student teacher numbers after years of low enrolment created a workforce crisis . Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Welcome Budget Increases Number Of School Onsite Teacher Training Positions
Press Release – Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood NZ The increased funding announced in the budget by Minister Stanford to fund a further 530 places is a very welcome move, with those teacher trainees being offered a stipend and a contribution towards their tuition fees from the government. Primary Teacher training organisation Te Rito Maioha congratulates Minister Stanford on increasing the number of School Onsite Training Programme placements. The School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) provides funding for places in school-based Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes where teacher trainees are hosted in schools 3 days a week while studying remotely towards their teaching qualification. 'Te Rito Maioha has been growing teachers via this method since 2016', says says Kathy Wolfe, CE Te Rito Maioha. 'We commenced our Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) in 2021 and our Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) in 2023 with great outcomes for new teachers. It's encouraging that the government has acknowledged this practical method of teacher training as an important tool in addressing the current teacher shortages due to the successes it has shown. The increased funding announced in the budget by Minister Stanford to fund a further 530 places is a very welcome move, with those teacher trainees being offered a stipend and a contribution towards their tuition fees from the government.' 'This programme intends to grow and maintain the pipeline of teachers by investing in onsite (in- school) teacher education. This fund covers the student tuition fee for their initial teacher education degree at their chosen provider, a stipend for students, as well as a koha to schools for providing a placement for students,' says Mrs Wolfe. 'As an organisation we have 11 education centres around the motu, offering online delivery and personable pastoral care, and all our ITE is field-based, meaning students can study while working in local schools. That's a win- win for combating local teacher shortages, graduates are ready to teach, and this often results in keeping local talent, local.' 'It's a fantastic way of learning. Our decision to offer this online model where our students are also in classrooms right across the country, has been the best thing we ever did. Not only are the students learning the theory online and with our excellent lecturers, from the primary sector, but they are then putting that theory into practice immediately. It makes for a much richer and practical learning environment for students and schools.' 'This learning model has been a very successful, with 98% of our graduates employed in schools upon completing their qualification.' [1] 'It's exciting that the Minister has recognised both the need in Primary Schools and the value of the SOTP programme and we look forward to again working with the Ministry of Education as they allocate further placements for 2026, says Mrs Wolfe.' Notes: Te Rito Maioha has seen significant growth in both our primary ITE programmes. Our 2025 enrolments for The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) increased 61%, while the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) increased 80%. Interested schools or students are encouraged to contact Te Rito Maioha to see if they qualify for the SOTP funding for 2026. Background: Budget 2024 funded 1200 School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) places for aspiring teachers to train in the classroom. Funding is for four years and expands the programme to include primary and intermediate as well as secondary. Provide a $20,000 package per placement to make it easier for SOTP teachers to train by providing a stipend toward their living and training expenses and a tuition fees contribution. Schools will also receive a costs contribution for each trainee teacher they work with. [1] The other 2% have generally gone overseas or through personal circumstances, have decided to do relieving work.
Scoop
23-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Welcome Budget Increases Number Of School Onsite Teacher Training Positions
Primary Teacher training organisation Te Rito Maioha congratulates Minister Stanford on increasing the number of School Onsite Training Programme placements. The School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) provides funding for places in school-based Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes where teacher trainees are hosted in schools 3 days a week while studying remotely towards their teaching qualification. 'Te Rito Maioha has been growing teachers via this method since 2016', says says Kathy Wolfe, CE Te Rito Maioha. 'We commenced our Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) in 2021 and our Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) in 2023 with great outcomes for new teachers. It's encouraging that the government has acknowledged this practical method of teacher training as an important tool in addressing the current teacher shortages due to the successes it has shown. The increased funding announced in the budget by Minister Stanford to fund a further 530 places is a very welcome move, with those teacher trainees being offered a stipend and a contribution towards their tuition fees from the government.' 'This programme intends to grow and maintain the pipeline of teachers by investing in onsite (in- school) teacher education. This fund covers the student tuition fee for their initial teacher education degree at their chosen provider, a stipend for students, as well as a koha to schools for providing a placement for students,' says Mrs Wolfe. 'As an organisation we have 11 education centres around the motu, offering online delivery and personable pastoral care, and all our ITE is field-based, meaning students can study while working in local schools. That's a win- win for combating local teacher shortages, graduates are ready to teach, and this often results in keeping local talent, local.' 'It's a fantastic way of learning. Our decision to offer this online model where our students are also in classrooms right across the country, has been the best thing we ever did. Not only are the students learning the theory online and with our excellent lecturers, from the primary sector, but they are then putting that theory into practice immediately. It makes for a much richer and practical learning environment for students and schools.' 'This learning model has been a very successful, with 98% of our graduates employed in schools upon completing their qualification.'[1] 'It's exciting that the Minister has recognised both the need in Primary Schools and the value of the SOTP programme and we look forward to again working with the Ministry of Education as they allocate further placements for 2026, says Mrs Wolfe.' Notes: Te Rito Maioha has seen significant growth in both our primary ITE programmes. Our 2025 enrolments for The Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) increased 61%, while the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) increased 80%. Interested schools or students are encouraged to contact Te Rito Maioha to see if they qualify for the SOTP funding for 2026. Background: Budget 2024 funded 1200 School Onsite Training Programme (SOTP) places for aspiring teachers to train in the classroom. Funding is for four years and expands the programme to include primary and intermediate as well as secondary. Provide a $20,000 package per placement to make it easier for SOTP teachers to train by providing a stipend toward their living and training expenses and a tuition fees contribution. Schools will also receive a costs contribution for each trainee teacher they work with. [1] The other 2% have generally gone overseas or through personal circumstances, have decided to do relieving work.
