My LTTE

I have to say that I was absolutely sickened by the comments of Ministry of Education spokesman Iain Butler when he described efforts to attract over-seas trained teachers to come to New Zealand. If he had been honest, he would have used the word 'trap,' because that, in fact, is what NZIS and Teach NZ have done. They've laid out the bait, but when teachers come to NZ from overseas, the spring is sprung when they find themselves unable to find suitable work, work that is commensurate with their experience and talents.

I have 15 years experience as both a teacher and an administrator. I applied for every single teaching job in the Chch area for which I was qualified, both LTR and permanent positions. I was short-listed and interviewed ... well, never. Over two dozen packets, and no interviews. Never in my career have so many applications yielded so few prospects.

Sadly, when I talk to other overseas-trained teachers, their stories reflect my experience. Many talk of 18-24 months spent relief teaching before landing a permanent position. This may be fine for those entering the profession, but for mid-career professionals, this is a waste of talent.

So when I see that the Min Ed is conspiring with NZIS to lure more teachers here, I am both puzzled and disgusted.