EDUCATION New Zealand (ENZ) has welcomed a recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) study that has ranked New Zealand teachers as among the most professional globally.
The latest Teaching and Learning International Study (Talis) ranked teachers in New Zealand the fourth most professional out of 34 participating countries and economies around the world.
According to the study, New Zealand teachers ranked high in teacher training and professional development, autonomy in their work, and networking with peers – all key indicators of professionalism.
It also highlighted that 99 per cent of the country’s teachers have participated in a teacher education programme, with 85 per cent having autonomy over their teaching materials.
More than nine in 10 (93 per cent) of New Zealand teachers also receive feedback on their teaching from direct observations.
“New Zealand prides itself on the professional training that our teachers receive both before stepping out into the teaching world and through professional development throughout their careers,” said ENZ international general manager Peter Bull.
“Our teachers are trained to help students think critically and gain highly sought-after skills. The findings from this recent OECD study are a great reflection of New Zealand’s high-quality education system and teaching workforce.”
The study also found that the professionalism among New Zealand teachers is consistent across schools in the country, regardless of where they are located.
“Our teachers in New Zealand work hard to make a difference to the lives of our students and to help them achieve success, no matter what their background is or whether they are local or international students.
“This reflects their high level of professionalism and keen understanding of the importance of a well-rounded education,” Bull said.
ENZ is the New Zealand government’s lead organisation marketing the country’s education industry overseas.
To learn more about education opportunities in New Zealand, visit the Borneo Post International Education Fair on Feb 27-28 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching where ENZ will showcase the different education opportunities available.
More information can also be found at www.studyinnewzealand.com.