The Alliance has thrown its support behind a recent petition started by the young and new teachers of Hutt Valley branch of the PPTA.

Alliance party education spokesperson, Richard Wallis, says that issues underlying the petition of class size and teacher workload are of real concern to parents and teachers alike. Too many teachers are leaving the profession as a result of unrealistic expectations placed on them.

The petition calls on the Government to “secure sufficient staffing for student numbers in New Zealand secondary school classrooms to be capped at 25.” Mr. Wallis says that this would be a positive step towards preventing further losses in the teaching profession. He encourages all concerned New Zealanders to sign the petition.

Mr Wallis goes on to point out that while The Alliance supports this petition their own party policy is to have classes capped and resourced at 20 students. “We believe that classes of 20 will better serve the needs of both the teachers and students alike.”

“Serious attention must be given to the working conditions of secondary teachers if New Zealand is to avoid a secondary school teacher shortage by 2010,” He says.

“If the current parties in parliament are not willing to make this basic commitment and investment in the children and future of New Zealand then voters must return the Alliance to ensure that our education system receives the funding our children deserve.” Mr. Wallis said.