by Rebecca Thomas Just under three weeks remain until the end of Term 1. Recently I listened as Claire Amos and Liam Rutherford described the landscape and mood of educators in their communities. As they spoke, I immediately wanted to join the kōrero and write a comment. But my comment was too long, my kōrero too disjointed. I needed time to think. There is an apathy growing in the sector. Not the careless kind people sometimes accuse teachers of. Not indifference. Something much quieter than...

by Rebecca Thomas Oh Minister, Minister — where art thou dignity, Minister? The whole sector — minus the government’s own echo chamber — already knows what Erica really thinks of teachers. We’ve seen it in the tone, the speeches, the little barbs tossed into interviews. We’ve heard it between the lines every time teachers dare to say that supporting children properly might require… well… support. And heaven forbid we mention Te Tiriti while we’re at it. Because apparently standing firm on...

by Rebecca Thomas My suggested replacement of the Excellence Awards this year I need to write this thoughtfully. This is not me being bitter. Because I believe in celebrating good schools. I believe in acknowledging kaiako who pour themselves into communities and refuse to give up. I believe in telling stories of hope. But I also sit in Tai Tokerau. And here, excellence does not always look like a polished graph of achievement and attendance scores. Here, excellence looks like a teacher...