The day as it was

Today, in New Zealand, primary and secondary teachers had a full day strike. The main issues are pay and conditions - and the forecast of a lack of teachers in the very near future. It is common to have quite a few students in the class who need behavioural or extra learning support, so teachers are calling for more money from government to pay for extra teacher aides.
I was out rallying early this morning in our local town.

[Chris]

I would imagine that most of the country are behind them. I back their cause not only for the present day but for all those that will need to be educated in the future years.

[Joan Robillard]

Well don't know about New Zealand but birth rate in States is down. Good luck with your strike.

[Lou Ann]

Just the same here. Teaching is the most important job of all. It is a disgrace that the pay is so low. In Texas just this Monday the legislature passed a sweeping teaching reform bill with the promise of more money and more benefits. Now to see if they put their money where their mouth is.

[Denise Wood]

Teachers need all the support you can give them :)

[arthur clark]

same story here,most schools are short of money.

[carol white]

Schools here are short of money, too

[Pat Knowles]

Same here Dianne....never enough money around but schools are so important fir the future of our children. Good luck for your cause!

[julia]

Well.it looks a nice morning to be out and about.. lets hope it does the trick..

[Margo Sayer]

Sadly, teachers' pay has lingered far beyond reality in the UK and I have the same impression for teachers here in France. IMHO, a much underrated and underpaid profession.

[Judith Johnson]

I hope you are successful. Teachers need everyone behind them, they do such an important job

[K1W1]

I feel for the teachers but I'm pretty sure they are better off than the
teachers over here. We have just had so many major cuts to education..including to the programs for special needs kids. The Autism program was cut completely. I have a little guy on my bus who was pulled from one school and dumped in another when the program was cut. He is struggling so much right now. It's showing up in his behaviour and he is now being bullied by other kids and is not getting the support he should be getting from the teachers. Such a sad day when our kids (the future of our country) are being hurt along with the wonderful people who choose to try to educate them and prepare them for the world.

[Marnie]

I know how drastic a situation has to be before teachers strike en masse. Lots of cuts like that here too. More power to you all, and hope you have some success.

[Jane Pittenger]

When will we ever learn the value of good teachers?

[Steve and Pam Winfield]

Good photo I am with them why do services that look after children and adults like teachers hospitals police etc get hard times when they want a fair pay politicians who make me sick with there forever arguing amongst themselves get great pay yes ime with the teacher all the way FAV:)