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Robin Sutton's avatar

Having retired I thought I could slowly disengage from the profession and the sector. Your posts, and what I see happening around me, make this near impossible.. you are SO 'on the money' .. thanks!!

R

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Sarah Aiono's avatar

Robin, thank you for your kind words! It means a lot coming from someone with your experience in the profession. The challenges we face in education right now make it hard to step away, and voices like yours continue to remain invaluable. A calm slide into retirement may not be quite on the cards (for now)!

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Cristina's avatar

We also need local comminities/parents to step up in their support of their local schools(from the ground up). Though I know parents have a hard time juggling work & parental responsibilities. It's not easy.

But you guys are on point! The motives for education reform have nothing to do with a desire to improve education. That is very clear to me, I wish it was clear to more Kiwis.

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Sarah Aiono's avatar

Hi Cristina - thanks for your thoughts. You're right - educators need allies now more than ever. Part of the power wielded by the government at the moment exists because of the belittling of the profession and the narrative that teachers can't be trusted or respected. Parents and communities can be a huge ally to stop this from escalating even further!

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Tara O'Neill's avatar

Excellent article. It succinctly puts into words what I see happening around me. It validates my experience. I will be sharing with my Board.

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Sarah Aiono's avatar

Thanks for your comment Tara - and great to hear you will be sharing with your Board. This has to be shared wide and far!

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