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A guide for newly qualified early childhood education teachers

TEACHER’S RESOURCE

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4 INTRODUCTION

5 SUPPORT FOR YOU AS A BEGINNING TEACHER

7 RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BEGINNING TEACHER

8 TEACHER REGISTRATION

13 EMPLOYMENT MATTERS

15 YOUR AGREEMENT

15 KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS’ COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

17 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT (formerly the Consenting Parties Agreement)

19 NZEI AND YOU

24 OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO GET INVOLVED

26 MEMBERSHIP SERVICES AND BENEFITS

28 NZEI TE RIU ROA OFFICES

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introductionNZEI Te Riu Roa has more than 46,000 members. When we all stick together and stand up for each other, and for education issues, we have a very strong voice. Our union provides support for you, as a beginning teacher, in the following ways:

• TheNZEITeRiuRoaworksiterepatyourcentreisthelinkbetween you and the wider union, and is your first point of contact for any professional or industrial issues you might have.

Remember: If you have any concerns with your advice and guidance programme, use of the Support Grant, or your registration process, talk to your tutor teacher, head teacher or supervisor first.

• NZEI’sMembers’SupportPersonneloperateinyourarea.They are members trained to provide free professional advice, employment-related support and confidential counselling services.

• YourworksiteiscoveredbyaNZEITeRiuRoafieldofficerwhocan offer free professional and industrial advice, and represent you when required.

• Youcane-mailymn@nzei.org.nz and get quick, confidential advice.

During the year you will also be invited to training held by NZEI. This will be during work hours, and is paid for by your employer. These sessions are a great way to meet other PRT union members, and discuss any issues you might be having.

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SUPPORT FOR YOU AS A BEGINNING TEACHERHEAD TEACHER, SENIOR TEACHER AND SUPERVISORIt is a role of the head teacher or centre supervisor to make sure teachers and any other staff have the support they need. Senior teachers in Kindergartens are employed to provide professional guidance for all teachers. Some other early childhood education (ECE) organisations also employ teachers in support roles.

TEACHING COLLEAGUESOther teachers are important sources of advice, help and information. Take the opportunity to observe teachers in your early childhood education centre, or try to visit teachers in other centres.

COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER TEACHER EDUCATION PROVIDERSSome of these institutions have early childhood education professionals available to provide advice and assistance to teachers, particularly teachers in their first job. Some also provide ongoing professional development programmes and resources.

OTHER NETWORKSYour teaching colleagues will suggest ways that you can meet up with other teachers in your area where this is possible. There might be a local group of early childhood teachers who meet regularly, or you can contact NZEI Te Riu Roa about local networks of early childhood members.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTThe Ministry of Education contracts professional development providers to support teachers’ professional development. Talk with your supervisor, head teacher or senior teacher first about the area you would like help with. There will be a number of professional development programmes available in your area.

NZEI TE RIU ROA SUPPORT• The NZEI Te Riu Roa elected representative at your worksite is your first

point of contact.

• You can call on specialist NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff for assistance, if your worksite representative cannot help, or if you do not have a worksite representative

• You have access to low-cost health insurance, mortgage facilities, personal loans, travel discounts and other membership benefits

• See the section on NZEI Te Riu Roa at the end of this booklet for more information about the role of the union, its structure, how members become involved and membership services and benefits.

As a member of NZEI Te Riu Roa, you are entitled to the following protection, advice and support:

• your collective agreement negotiated and enforced• assistance if you have an individual employment agreement• industrial and legal advice• representation if necessary at meetings with your employer• advocacy and counselling support on employment and professional issues• advice on training and qualifications• access to information, research and resources• education programmes on professional and employment issues.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF A BEGINNING TEACHERBECOMING A PROFESSIONAL• Work towards being a fully registered teacher – apply for Provisional

Registration through the NZ Teachers Council

IDENTIFY YOUR STRENGTHS AND AREAS OF NEED• Look for ways to make use of your strengths• Look for opportunities to observe others• Undertake professional development• Work out ways to evaluate your own work.

FOLLOW EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICIES• Every early childhood education centre or service has a charter and a

set of policies• Teachers are expected to follow the policies. Ask your supervisor or

head teacher for access to these• Learn more about your centre by attending management meetings

when you can.

SEEK ADVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT• Don’t put up with a problem which is causing you stress or affecting

your teaching• Keep seeking help – first from your head teacher or supervisor, then

from other colleagues or from NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff• Be prepared to describe what actions you have taken to solve the

problem• Put suggested ideas to work, record the results and discuss them with

your head teacher or supervisor.

EMPLOYMENT• Make sure you have a copy of your employment agreement. Ask the

NZEI Te Riu Roa worksite representative or your employer for one, if you don’t have a copy

• Read your agreement: know your entitlements and obligations• Talk to your NZEI worksite representative or field staff if you feel you

are being treated unfairly and cannot resolve the issue.

YOURSELF• It helps to look after yourself!• Maintain a professional relationship with parents

of children at your centre.

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TEACHER REGISTRATION

WHAT IS TEACHER REGISTRATION?

Now that you have successfully completed your teacher education programme, you should apply to become a registered teacher.Teacher registration is a process by which a teacher receives a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Teachers Council (NZTC). It is evidence that a teacher:

• is of good character• is fit to be a teacher • has satisfactorily trained to teach• has satisfactory recent teaching experience.It is the first step in a process that will continue throughout your teaching career.

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WHY REGISTER?Being a registered teacher means you are part of the teaching profession. It shows you meet the same standards as teachers across the education sector and that you are committed to continuing your professional learning.

The government is increasing the requirement of all ECE services to employ qualified and registered teachers.

NZEI Te Riu Roa encourages all qualified teachers to become registered.

Registration:• provides entry to the teaching profession• ensures that teachers in New Zealand meet the required standards• assures parents and management that a teacher is a competent,

trained professional• ensures that a satisfactory standard of teaching practice is maintained

by a teacher.

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REQUIREMENTS OF REGISTRATIONYou can apply for teacher registration if you have successfully completed a teacher education programme that is approved by the Teachers Council.On successful application for registration you will become a provisionally registered teacher.To become fully registered, provisionally registered teachers must:• complete two years teaching (even if you have been working in a

centre before you become qualified)• participate in an advice and guidance programme under the

supervision of a fully registered teacher (a tutor teacher)• be appraised by your tutor teacher for having demonstrated satisfactory

performance in each of the following teacher dimensions:– professional knowledge– professional practice– professional relationships– professional leadership.

If you are not sure about whether you can apply for registration, contact your NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff or the Teachers Council.All the information you need to know about registration is available from your NZEI Te Riu Roa field officer or from the Teachers Council.

A support kit called “Towards Full Registration” has been published by the Teachers Council, and sent to all centres. It contains a section with registration information specific to the early childhood education sector.

NZ TEACHERS COUNCIL (NZTC)The Council:• Establishes policies for teachers to move to full registration and

to maintain their registration• Approves applications and final recommendations for full

registration• Renews teachers’ practising certificates every three years• Can deregister a teacher who no longer meets registration

requirements.

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THE PATHWAY TO TEACHER REGISTRATION

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Apply to the Teachers Council for registration with a certified copy of your teaching qualification (diploma or degree), any other qualifications and the fee (use Form TC1).

Be granted registration in the category of provisional registration by the Teachers Council.

Begin your employment as a provisionally registered teacher.

Collaborate with your tutor teacher (registration supervisor), and develop and implement an advice and guidance programme which meets the needs of you and your centre, and the requirements of the Teachers Council.

Keep a written record of your professional learning, including of your advice and guidance programme, of your professional discussions and appraisals, and of the plans for providing you with further support and development.

Complete two years teaching, and with the recommendation from your tutor teacher and your employer or head teacher, or senior teacher, apply to the Teachers Council for full registration (use Form TC2).

Have your current practising certificate endorsed as being in the category of full registration.

Continuing teaching, and ensure that you renew your practising certificate when it expires three years after your first application for registration.

With support from your centre, you are responsible for taking all the steps needed to become fully registered. The following are the steps to take from the very beginning:

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TUTOR TEACHERYour advice and guidance programme must be carried out by a tutor teacher. This person needs to be a fully registered teacher. They may be a teacher in your own centre or from another one. In a kindergarten it will probably be your head teacher. The Teachers Council has a list of people in your area who are available to be tutor teachers.Your tutor teacher is there to support you by:• working with you to reflect on your teaching• working with you to develop an advice and guidance programme with

goals that will support you towards full registration• observing and appraising your work• providing verbal and written feedback• linking your work to the Teachers Council’s “satisfactory teacher

dimensions”.

WORK POSITIVELY WITH YOUR TUTOR TEACHER• Discuss together what you need as a new teacher• Carry out the teacher registration advice and guidance programme

around these needs• Satisfy yourself that the advice and guidance programme is working

for you• Set realistic goals for yourself• Accept criticism positively – you’re not expected to be perfect or to

know everything.

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE PROGRAMMEA good advice and guidance programme reflects your learning needs and those of your centre. Keep a written record of your advice and guidance programme, including appraisals and discussions with your tutor teacher and with your centre supervisor or head teacher. You will need this if you move to another job.Your advice and guidance programme includes:• supervision by the tutor teacher and any others who may be part of

the programme• regular reports from the tutor teacher• observations of your practice by your tutor teacher• clear goals for you to improve your practice• strong links to the “satisfactory teacher dimensions”• opportunities to observe other teachers• professional discussion with your colleagues• participation in relevant professional development programmes and

meetings (which you will need to document).

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WHAT ABOUT IMMERSION CENTRES?These include kohanga reo, a’oga amata and other Pasifika centres. The circumstances might be different in an immersion centre but requirements for registration are the same as for other early childhood teachers. For example:• your tutor teacher may or may not be from within your centre; they

may be a registered teacher from another centre• the Teachers Council can help find a supervising teacher and set up

an advice and guidance programme• NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff can also advise you. Takawaenga are field

staff who are experienced in working with Mäori members and Mäori education issues. Contact numbers are at the back of this booklet.

RENEWING A PRACTISING CERTIFICATE• Teachers must renew their practising certificates every three years

• The Teachers Council requires confirmation that a teacher has recent satisfactory teaching experience

• Attestation is needed from your employer that the teaching standard is satisfactory and that the teacher is actively involved in professional development.

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE PUBLICATIONSThese include publications which contain professional practice information

and ideas on topics such as:

• Planning and preparation based on realistic goals and objectives

• Catering for different learning styles, needs, abilities and cultures

• Developing teaching skills such as flexibility and questioning

• Monitoring, assessment and evaluation.

Talk to your colleagues about the publications they use or subscribe to. Ask NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff for the names of publications by NZEI Te Riu Roa.

Remember to watch out for an NZEI Early Childhood Education Teacher Registration Seminar near you. Call NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff for details.

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EMPLOYMENT MATTERSWHO IS YOUR EMPLOYER?KindergartensYour employer is the kindergarten association that your kindergarten belongs to. The association establishes goals through its charter and sets policies to guide the operation of the kindergartens in the association.Kindergarten teachers are part of the state sector and kindergarten associations must act as good employers (State Sector Act 1988). This means that the kindergarten association, as employers, must ensure staff:• are treated fairly• are impartially selected for appointment• are given opportunities to enhance their abilities• have their needs recognised in employment• work in a good and safe environment.

Other Early Childhood Centres / ServicesIf your centre is a community-based centre, your employer is the management committee. If it is privately owned your employer is the owner of the centre.The employer establishes goals through its charter and sets policies to guide the management of the centre. Early childhood education centres are required to meet the Government’s Desirable Objectives and Practices (DOPs), which include the principles of being a good employer.The head teacher or supervisor is responsible for the day to day management of your centre.

THE HEALTH AND SAFETY IN EMPLOYMENT ACTThe main purpose of this Act is to prevent harm to employees at work. Harm includes physical harm or emotional harm, such as severe stress or a nervous breakdown.

Employers must:

• promote health and safety at work• involve employees when identifying and dealing with hazards.Employees must• mind their own health and safety at work• ensure that they do not cause harm to others.

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ACCIDENT COMPENSATION ACT 1982This Act entitles you to paid leave (80% of your salary) if you have a work-related accident. Your employer pays the first week, and ACC pays after that. They will also contribute to the cost of your recuperation, eg visits to the doctor or physiotherapist.Don’t be talked into going back to work “on light duty” before you are fully recovered. Your NZEI Te Riu Roa field staff can advise if you have a problem in this area.

PRIVACY ACT 1993This Act outlines responsibilities for the collection, storage and availability of personal information.• Check with the head teacher or supervisor abut the privacy policies

and issues at your early childhood education centre• You have certain responsibilities with regards to information about

the children and their families/whanau• Employers have certain responsibilities with regards to information

they hold about their employees.

RIGHTS FROM THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS ACT 2000DiscriminationIf you believe you are being discriminated against at work on the basis of any of the following, you have the right to complain and have this put right:• colour or race • age• disability• political opinion• ethnic or national origins• gender or sexual orientation• marital or family status• union membership• religious or ethical beliefs

Sexual harassment• Sexual harassment is any unwanted attention of a sexual nature. It

may come from an employer, a colleague or a parent• You have the right to make a complaint

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• If nothing happens as a result of your complaint, contact NZEI Te Riu Roa for help

• Your employer must follow the procedures in your agreement.

Racial harassmentRacial harassment is any kind of behaviour at work that expresses hostility, contempt or ridicule on account of an employee’s race, colour, ethnic or national origins.You have the right to complain. If nothing happens as a result of your complaint, contact NZEI Te Riu Roa.

YOUR AGREEMENTPeople join unions because they know that together they have more power to negotiate better pay and conditions than on their own. Your collective agreement is the result of many members working to improve their employment and professional environment. A brief summary of the key points of current early childhood collective agreements is given below.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS, HEAD TEACHERS AND SENIOR TEACHERS COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

Joining the agreementAs a new member of staff you must be offered the opportunity to join the collective agreement (CA).To join the agreement you must also become a member of NZEI Te Riu Roa.

ResignationYou must give at least one month’s notice if you wish to leave a position.

Unified Pay ScaleThis refers to increases negotiated for primary teachers being passed on to kindergarten teachers.

Operation of the salary scalesSalary scales are set out in the CA. Your starting salary is your entry point to the pay scales by qualification group. You may have previous service in a teaching capacity which is recognised in the agreement. This could mean you should start higher up the scale.Progression to the next step occurs on an annual basis, subject to attestation against the relevant professional standards.

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Discipline • You have the right to ask for NZEI Te Riu Roa or other representation

at any stage.• Disciplinary principles need to be followed:– you must be advised in writing of the specific problem and given a

reasonable opportunity to respond– an appropriate investigation is to be undertaken by the employer;– your response must be considered– if appropriate, you must be advised of any improvements required

and given reasonable opportunity and assistance to improve– complaints and results of any action must be recorded in writing and

sighted and signed by you.

Teacher competency • Where competency is in question, the employer must put in place

appropriate assistance and professional guidance• Competency principles must be followed• Contact NZEI Te Riu Roa for advice and assistance on these

principles• You can be represented by an NZEI Te Riu Roa field officer,

takawaenga or advocate, and supported by a counsellor during the process.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTThe following questions are often asked by beginning kindergarten teachers.• Find the answers by referring to the relevant clause in the agreement • Use the contents page to find your way around the agreement• Contact NZEI Te Riu Roa if you are having difficulty with an issue of

your own.If I need to use my own car for kindergarten business will I be reimbursed? One of the parents complained to the kindergarten that I had sworn at their child. How can I get help? What will happen?Is there any provision for reimbursement for an evening meal if I am required to stay after work for a meeting?Do I have to attend the kindergarten or a meeting in my term break?How do I move to the next step of the salary scale? Do I get a higher salary if I finish my degree? If I am in a short-term relieving position will I get holiday pay? How much sick leave am I entitled to in my first year? Will my employer reimburse me for expenses related to any professional development courses?

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT (formerly the Consenting Parties Agreement)

Joining the Collective AgreementYou are entitled to join this agreement if:• your employer is listed as a party in Schedule A of the ECE Collective

Agreement;• your employer agrees to become a party to the ECE Collective

Agreement during the currency of the term of the agreement.

Salary and wages Pay parity for qualified and registered ECE teachers is being implemented in the ECE Collective Agreement.

Hours of work Ordinary hours of work: up to eight hours between 7am - 6pm. Time off in lieu will be paid for work required to be done outside of these hours or payment at the appropriate rate may be made for additional time worked after 15 minutes outside ordinary hours (one hour for those in positions of leadership).

Progressing along the wage scale Early childhood teachers/kaiako must first hold the Diploma of Teaching (ECE) or its equivalent before moving on to the Q2, Q3 or Q3+ scale as applicable.

Teacher registration Reimbursement for costs of initial teacher registration, renewal of practising certificates for all registered teachers, paid release time for provisionally registered teachers and tutor teachers and a tutor teacher allowance are payable under this agreement.

Professional development/expenses Up to seven days paid professional development leave per year plus three days where a reliever is paid by training provider.This leave includes leave to fulfil the requirements to become a registered teacher.

CompetencyWhere competency of a teacher is causing concern the employer must:• inform the employee in writing of the concern• put in place appropriate assistance and personal guidance to assist

that employee.Where there is still concern after assistance and guidance, the employer must follow the appropriate disciplinary procedures.

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Disciplinary procedures When assistance and guidance have not remedied a situation, if there has been a complaint about competency, or where an employer receives a complaint about an employee’s conduct, treatment of a child or any other matter the employer must:• investigate the complaint and discuss it with the employee

concerned• advise the employee in writing about details of the complaint and that

disciplinary procedures in the contract are being followed.After a reasonable time for the issues to be resolved, if there are any

further complaints the employer must:• advise the employee in writing of the repeated incident• allow the employee sufficient time to contact a union representative• meet with the employee and their union representative and listen to

the employee’s side of the story• advise the employee that their employment is at risk if appropriate.If there are further instances of the complaint, after a reasonable period, the employee is liable to be dismissed. The employer is to advise the union.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT

The following questions are often asked by beginning teachers/kaiako.

• Find the answers by referring to the relevant part in the agreement

• Contact NZEI Te Riu Roa if you are having difficulty with an issue of your own.

One of the parents complained to the supervisor that I had sworn at their child. How can I get help? What will happen?

Do I get paid overtime if I have to stay late for a staff meeting?

Do I get a meal allowance if I have to work late?

How do I move to the next step of the salary and wages scale?

How much sick leave am I entitled to in my first year?

Will my employer give me time off for professional development courses?

If I get more qualifications do I get more money?

OTHER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTSA number of other employment agreements exist in the early childhood sector. It is important that you read your agreement. Contact NZEI Te Riu Roa if you have any queries.

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NZEI AND YOUNZEI TE RIU ROANZEI Te Riu Roa has more than 46,000 members who work in schools and early childhood centres and services, such as kindergartens, education and care centres and kohanga reo. Some members also work in colleges of education or for the Ministry of Education’s Group Special Education.NZEI Te Riu Roa is a strong advocate for the best quality education for all children of New Zealand:• helping to shape government policies• lobbying Members of Parliament• advising government on curriculum and assessment matters• promoting quality, state-funded education.NZEI Te Riu Roa is a strong advocate for fair pay and conditions for all members:• negotiating employment agreements• representing members and enforcing agreements• assisting members with competency or disciplinary concerns• providing advocacy for personal cases.

BEING PART OF NZEI TE RIU ROA MEANS• being the best teacher you can be

• working with others to achieve the best education and learning environment for all children

• having a say in how the union is run.

PAY PARITYPay parity means that teachers receive the same pay when they have the same qualifications, skills, experience and responsibilities, regardless of the age of the children they teach.NZEI has fought for and won pay parity for early childhood teachers.• Kindergarten teachers all over the country are covered by a single

collective agreement, and have pay parity with primary and secondary teachers.

• Teachers in other early childhood centres deserve pay parity and NZEI’s agreements are negotiated on this basis.

• Teachers need to be registered to be eligible for pay parity.• One single collective agreement for ECE teachers gives NZEI’s early

childhood education members a strong voice to advocate for pay parity.

Contact NZEI to see how you can take part in the pay parity campaign for early childhood teachers. N

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NZEI TE RIU ROA CODE OF ETHICSAs a member of NZEI you commit yourself to being guided by the organisation’s ideals, as expressed in its Code of Ethics:“Personal service to others through concern for and responsible promotion of the education and welfare of children, students, support staff and teachers”.

For the full text of the code see Rules of NZEI Te Riu Roa - 2nd Schedule, at www.nzei.org.nz

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CODE OF ETHICS FOR AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALANDThis is a booklet outlining a code of ethics for the early childhood sector, developed by a national group of early childhood practitioners, including representation from NZEI Te Riu Roa. It complements the NZEI Te Riu Roa code.

It is a useful tool to help teachers decide what to do when faced with ethical dilemmas in their daily teaching. Where there is a possibility that no one clear right answer or solution exists, the ethical processes laid out provide guidelines for professional conduct.

The Code of Ethics encourages a sense of unity among all those who work in the early childhood sector by:

• upholding the importance of quality teaching and care

• providing a common set of statements and sense of purpose so that there is protection for teachers, children, whänau, community and society.

The Early Childhood Education Code of Ethics is available as a video and education kit from NZEI Te Riu Roa.

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THE TREATY OF WAITANGIThe Treaty of Waitangi partnership is reflected in the work and structures of NZEI Te Riu Roa.

Miro Mäori is the Mäori strand of NZEI Te Riu Roa. Members identifying with Miro Mäori may choose to attend aronui tömua, local gatherings equivalent to member branches. Miro Mäori are also represented nationally by the Mäori executive Te Reo Areare and attend the annual Te Kähui Whetu to decide on Mäori education policy and issues.

There are three early childhood representatives on Te Reo Areare, one of whom is selected for the National Executive.

Any member may choose to be involved in either strand of the partnership.

• Branches, aronui tömua and networks meet regularly at a local leveland are open to all members.

• Komiti Pasifika are local branches of members who identify withPacific membership issues and Pacific education.

• District councils and rohe operate ata regional level and are made up of branch, aronui tömua, regional and national representatives.

• NZEI Networks are groups of memberswith common interests (eg beginning teachers, women, early childhood education etc).

• National advisory groups represent theinterests of certain groups of members such as:

– the Early Childhood National Caucus (which has dual convenorship, an expression of Miro Mäori)

– the Support Staff National Caucus Kaiawhina Tautoko.

• National Executive (elected annually)carries out the work of NZEI’s Annual Meeting, which is the governing body of NZEI Te Riu Roa.

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HOW CAN YOU BE PART OF THE NZEI ACTIONNZEI Te Riu Roa is a democratic organisation. Members elect their representatives, take part in decisions and play an active role in the work of the union.Local networks, branches, aronui tömua, komiti Pasifika, district councils and the Annual Meeting enable you to join in debate and activities on professional and employment matters.At work you can:• scan information on the NZEI notice board (and website if you’ve got

access, at www.nzei.org.nz)• read NZEI Rourou (the NZEI newspaper)

• elect your NZEI worksite representative• attend union hui/meetings in your area• become informed about the issues that interest you• discuss issues with your NZEI worksite representative and other

colleagues• with experience, become an NZEI representative yourself.

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W o r k S i t e r e P r e S e n tat i v e S

BranchesLocal organisation of members. They may have a special character – for example, komiti Pasefika; GSe branches.

Aronui TömuaLocal organisation of members who identify with Miro Mäori.

Networks• Early childhood network

• Support staff network• Women’s network

• Men’s network• YMN

• Rainbow network• Lobby network

District Councils and RoheRegional organisations with representatives from

local branches, aronui tömua and networks.

Annual MeetingThe highest authority within NZEI Te Riu Roa. Determines policies and rules; elects National Executive. Attended by representatives and observers from branches, aronui tömua, district

councils and rohe, National Executive and Te Reo Areare.

Advisory GroupsSupport Staff National

Caucus; Principals’ Council; Early Childhood

National Caucus;Primary Classroom

Teachers’ Advisory Group.

Te Kähui WhetüThe annual forum determining NZEI Te Riu Roa policy on Mäori issues and organising Miro Mäori.

National ExecutivePresident, Vice President, Immediate Past President and 21 members representing:

• earlychildhood(3);primaryteaching(12); and support staff (3) sectors; and

• 3representativesfromTeReoAreare.

Te Reo AreareThe national body that has responsibilty for Mäori members, Mäori education and Mäori issues.

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Miro Heretanga describes the Tiriti o Waitangi partnership that respects the autonomy of each partner, Mäori and Tauiwi, and commits them to working together.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU TO GET INVOLVEDat branch, aronui tömua or komiti Pasifika level you can:• go to hui/meetings and share your views and concerns• take part in education workshops and seminars• join an early childhood network• attend annual meetings as an observer or a representative of your

branch, aronui tömua, komiti Pasifika• discuss claims for the next negotiating round of your collective

agreement• take part in campaigns, such as pay parity• become a branch, komiti Pasefika or aronui tömua officer.

at district level you can:• attend hui/meetings to consider issues impacting on the rohe/district• take part in district level early childhood networks• represent members on district groups such as Ministry of Education

committees• liaise with other unions, training providers etc• organise membership training at a district level.

at national level you can:• represent NZEI on government advisory bodies• join NZEI delegations to select committees• represent NZEI at conferences in New Zealand and overseas• join working parties on professional issues• become part of the team that negotiates your collective agreement• be elected to early childhood national caucus or the national executive

and represent NZEI members in policy and decision making at a national level.

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NZEI TE RIU ROA STAFFNZEI employs regional secretaries and field staff throughout New Zealand.Takawaenga are field staff who assist Mäori members and provide specialist help on issues concerning Mäori education.Each member of the field staff has their own group of workplaces to look after:• representing and advocating for members on employment agreement

matters• representing and advising on personal cases• offering professional advice and assistance• recruiting new members• facilitating education and training programmes for members.

NZEI Te Riu Roa national staffNZEI’s National Office is situated in Wellington. The National Secretary is the chief executive officer of NZEI Te Riu Roa. Te matua takawaenga is responsible for Mäori membership and Mäori education. Other staff include administration, professional and industrial teams that work on:• industrial strategic advice and development • research• education policy development • negotiating national collective agreements• membership education and development • qualifications and training • curriculum and assessment • special education • library and information services • technical services • communications and publications• legal matters • membership enrolment• professional development.Contact numbers for NZEI staff are at the back of this booklet.

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MEMBERSHIP SERVICES AND BENEFITSMembers’ Support Personnel (MSP)A network of trained and experienced members offer this counselling service to other members. It is free and confidential.

Counsellors assist members in times of stress by:

• listening

• referringmemberstootherNZEITeRiuRoaservices

• helpingmembersresolveprofessionaldifficulties

• helpingcommunicationwithcolleagues.

Your NZEI Te Riu Roa worksite representative will have a list of MSP membersinyourarea.Ifnot,contactyourfieldofficerortakawaenga.

Legal Assistance Fund – assists members who become involved in legal proceedings arising from their employment.

Provident Fund – emergency financial assistance is available in the form of grants or loans to members and their dependents.

Death Benefit – this is payable to “approved recipients” on the death of a member.

Education Benevolent Society (EBS) offers comprehensive medical care benefits at low cost for member subscribers and their families.

Holiday units at Rotorua are available to members for use at reasonable rates.

Check www.nzei.org.nz or with your NZEI Te Riu Roa worksite representativeorfieldofficeraboutdetailsofanyofthesebenefits.

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HINTS FOR BEGINNING TEACHERS• Use your diary and keep a journal.

• If you have a question, your supervisor or head teacher or tutor teacher is your first port of call.

• Ask other teachers too – if you hear about or see another teacher setting up a good system, ask them to explain how they did it.

• Have a positive attitude with your registration supervisor and be open to suggestions.

• Make sure you are on the pathway to full teacher registration

• Keep writing records in your journal, along with reports about your advice and guidance programme, in case you move – you will need them when you are ready for registration.

• Learn to find your way around your employment agreement. Seek help from your NZEI worksite representative if you get stuck with a question or problem. Contact NZEI field staff directly if you need to.

• Find out where to go for copies of your centre policy. This will detail procedures for both professional practice and also employment matters.

• Ask to enrol in the programmes for newly qualified or beginning teachers run by local professional development providers or other networks.

• Find out the NZEI Te Riu Roa branch or aronui tömua meeting and education programme for the year. There will be speakers and seminars of topical interest.

• Don’t look for recipes – there aren’t any. Adapt and adopt what other teachers do and focus on the needs of the children.

• Have someone to sound off to outside of work if necessary. Another beginning or newly qualified teacher is good.

• Look after yourself. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, a good breakfast, exercise and fun with friends and family.

• Remember you are a member of NZEI Te Riu Roa, an organisation that has been helping teachers professionally and industrially for well over a hundred years. You are not alone!

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NORTHERN REGION – NGÄ TÄTAHA-Ä-MÄUI

REGIONAL OFFICEP O Box 52087, AUCKLAND Level 1, 4 Bond StreetKingsland, Grey Lynn, AUCKLAND 1002Ph: (09) 360-4005 Fax: (09) 360-4008 email nzeinorth@nzei.org.nz

TAITOKERAU81 Gillies Street, KAWAKAWA 0291, NorthlandPh: (09) 404 1446 Fax: (09) 404 1778

WAIKATO Box 20-333, HAMILTON 1st floor, ANZ Building, 650 Te Rapa RoadTe Rapa, HAMILTONPh: (07) 849 7061 Fax: (07) 849 7042

BAY OF PLENTY Box 249, ROTORUA 1353 Eruera Street, ROTORUA Ph: (07) 349 5063 Fax: (07) 349 2682

CENTRAL REGION – TE NGAIO TÜ

REGIONAL OFFICE WellingtonP O Box 466, WELLINGTON 5th Floor, Education House 178-182 Willis Street, WELLINGTONPh: (04) 384 9609 Fax: (04) 384 9983 email: nzeicentral@nzei.org.nz

NEW PLYMOUTH OFFICE P O Box 8041, NEW PLYMOUTH 27 Eliot StreetPh: (06) 759 1056 Fax: (06) 759 1104

HASTINGS OFFICESuite 104, 201 King Street North, HASTINGSPh: (06) 870 4905 Fax: (06) 870 4907

GISBORNE Ph: (06) 867 5302 Fax: (06) 867 5382

PALMERSTON NORTH OFFICE Box 1876, PALMERSTON NORTH 292 Church Street, PALMERSTON NORTHPh: (06) 354 6671 Fax: (06) 354 6674

SOUTHERN REGION – TE WAIPOUNAMU

REGIONAL OFFICE Canterbury/West CoastP O Box 13455, CHRISTCHURCH 5th Floor, Trade Union Centre 199 Armagh Street, CHRISTCHURCHPh: (03) 366 1385 Fax: (03) 366 2030email: nzeisouth@nzei.org.nz

MARLBOROUGH/NELSON P O Box 3009, Richmond, NELSON 66 Oxford Street (in courtyard behind Tasman Energy), Richmond, NELSONPh: (03) 544 9281 Fax: (03) 544 9283

OTAGO Box 656, DUNEDIN 335 Princes Street, DUNEDIN Ph: (03) 477 1833 Fax: (03) 477 4097

SOUTHLAND P O Box 6155, INVERCARGILL 74 Salford Street, INVERCARGILL Ph: (03) 217 3689 Fax: (03) 217 9063

NZEI TE RIU ROA NATIONAL OFFICE PO Box 466, WELLINGTON Ph: (04) 384 9689 Fax: (04) 385 1772 Email: nzei@nzei.org.nz

www.nzei.org.nz

”ereh ti dniF“ www.nzei.org.nz