Bangkok--10 Jul--Baldwin Boyle Group (Thailand)
Education New Zealand (ENZ) today welcomed survey findings that further demonstrated why New Zealand's teachers are regarded among the best in the world.
The latest Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revealed that educators in New Zealand are among the most highly trained, best qualified and most experienced in the world.
The survey showed that 99 per cent of New Zealand teachers have completed a teacher training programme as compared to 90 per cent of their overseas counterparts. Meanwhile, 97 per cent of the country's teachers have also participated in at least one professional development activity in the last year – an average of only 88 per cent of teachers in the other countries surveyed participated in such activities.
Ziena Jalil, ENZ South and South East Asia Regional Director said: "New Zealand prides itself on its high-quality education system and teaching workforce. Before they step out to teach, the educators in our country are given professional training to ensure that only the well qualified are out in schools to teach. Our teachers are trained to help students think critically and gain highly sought after skills that will be useful after stepping out of school."
According to the survey, teachers in New Zealand who teach students aged 11 to 14 work an average of 44 hours a week – an hour more than the average in Australia, four hours less than the average in Singapore and six hours more than the international average.
They also teach an average class size of 25 students, which is one student more than the international average, and 11 less than the average in Singapore.
"Our teaching workforce in New Zealand is dedicated to making a difference to the lives of its students. Parents of both local and international students are fortunate to have a committed and experienced group of teachers that value the importance of a well-rounded education," Ms Jalil said.
For more information about education opportunities available in New Zealand, please visit Study in New Zealand.