Pasifika
"I really feel a driving force, a need for me to be here," says Pauai Afele, one of the few Pasifika science teachers working in New Zealand. To discover how Pauai encourages others to love science read
Talofa lava, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa atu, Taloha ni, Ni sa Bula, Kam Na Mauri, Halo Olaketa, Ia Orana, Kia ora, Greetings.
Opportunities in teaching
New Zealand has a significant and growing Pasifika population with its own unique educational needs. Auckland is the largest Polynesian city in the world and the demand for Pasifika teachers has grown with the increase in Pasifika students.
Our future generations need more Pasifika to train as teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary teaching. Right now, only 2 percent of teachers in the schools sector identify as being Pasifika, compared with 9 percent of Pasifika students.
In the vital early childhood years, less than 50 percent of Pasifika children are enrolled. Early childhood education lays the foundation for learning and success, and Pasifika communities are being encouraged and actively assisted to give children this important start. That means more early childhood Pasifika teachers are needed, both in bilingual services and in general early childhood services.
Why more Pasifika teachers discusses how and why our future generations need more Pasifika as teachers in early childhood, primary and secondary teaching.
Help to consider teaching looks at the advice and support available for Pasifika considering a teaching career.
Financial help to study outlines the incentives available to encourage more Pasifika into teaching.
Employment gives useful information about finding a job and the support Pasifika teachers can expect while teaching.
Our future Pasifika teachers need the support of their community to take up teaching. In What do Pasifika teachers say?, Pasifika teachers talk about their rewarding careers as teachers and how they feel they are making a difference.
If you still need help, more information, or cannot easily download information, please see Your next steps.
If you would like more information on Pasifika education, check out Te Kete Ipurangi and the Ministry of Education websites.
We need more Pasifika teachers in all sectors - urgently!