Fixed-term agreements cause problems for beginning teachers
Two-thirds of beginning teachers are on fixed-term agreements, according to a Ministry of Education report, Beginning teachers 2000-2004, published earlier this year.
“Some of these [fixed-term agreements] are legitimate agreements, such as those used to cover for a teacher on parental leave or for specific school or centre initiatives that have a beginning and an end,” says Colin Tarr, NZEI's Immediate Past President.
“However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many fixed term agreements are struck purely on a ‘wait and see’ basis, putting teachers on probation while they go through their first year in a school or centre. Such agreements are not permitted under the Employment Relations Act.”
Not only are such agreements illegal, but recent reports show that they may be harming beginning teachers’ professional development and ability to become fully registered teachers.
Beginning teachers 2000-2004 states that the prevelance of fixed-term agreements can lead to broken service, with some teachers moving from school to school. Such teachers are “less likely to have had consistent support and mentoring than beginning teachers who have remained at the same school while provisionally registered and have become permanent”.
Because the first two years of teaching are widely considered to be extremely important in terms of developing teacher practices, a lack of support and stability could affect teacher quality in years to come.
Case studies
Problems with fixed-term agreements can manifest themselves in a number of ways. Read some real stories of teachers on fixed-term agreements and the problems it caused them. All teachers wished to remain anonymous, for fear of generating negative feelings in their schools. Click here.
Employment Relations Act on fixed-term agreements
What does the Employment Relations Act say about fixed-term agreements? Click here to find out the exact wording and rights. A useful Department of Labour guide to your rights under the ERA is here.
Are you in a fixed-term agreement?
If you are worried that your fixed-term agreement may not be legal, please contact your local NZEI field officer. Regional office contact information can be found here.