Teachers, can you help?

Dear Monkey

I have just registered on this site and was appalled to see comments re teaching in New Zealand. Yes, when you come here you do need to have all your papers work organised so that your salary can be assessed and you can be paid at the correct rate as soon as possible. And, yes, you do need to fill out forms correctly to get an International Relocation Grant, but surely that doesn't just happen in New Zealand.

In the year 1 July 04 - 30 June 05, 504 overseas teachers were paid an International Relocation Grant and most of these teachers came from the UK. So I'd ask you not to take too much notice of what one particular teacher is saying. There's lots of very satisfied teachers out there. The majority of UK teachers (65 - 70%) are taking residency and staying on here so there must be plenty of things that they enjoy about their jobs and about living here.

I object to the comments about Oasis Education, one of our approved recruitment agents who have worked with overseas teachers and NZ schools and have done a great job.

The comments about Charles Brown are ridiculous. Charles is one of my staff members and you would spend a great deal of time finding someone who is more willing to help people than Charles is. He is extremely helpful and goes out of his way to go the extra mile, which includes running social events for overseas teachers to help them network and get to know other overseas teachers working here.

If I can be of any assistance to you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me - my email address is: irene.lynch@minedu.govt.nz

I hope you will continue to give teaching in New Zealand serious consideration.

Kind regards
Irene Lynch
National Manager
TeachNZ
Ministry of Education

Hi Irene,

Thanks for your comments. There are quite a few teachers on this forum, so I'm sure your advice will be invaluable.

I'm sure wilson did have a bad experience, but then I'm also sure wilsons case wasnt a typical one, so hopefully we will see a bit more of you on here to help our members with their applications!

All the best

Dear Irene

Thanks for your post. I am very pleased to read what you had to say. The bad experiences Wilson had during his time in NZ have been the only negative comments I have heard. It is of course worth noting these so that I can be aware of the pitfalls and make sure my experiences are much more positive.

Your comments regarding the recruitment agency and your colleagues is also very reassuring.

I am still seriously considering the move, indeed it is my intention to move to NZ. I have had to revise my timetable slightly though. The intention now is to make the move in the summer of 2007. In the meantime I will continue to gather information, seek advise and ensure I am fully prepared for what will be a life changing move. I plan to visit NZ next year.

Thanks again for your posting and thanks for your email address. It is nice to know there is someone I can contact with specific regard to teaching in NZ.

:icon_biggrin:
Monkey