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A fresh campaign for better pay for the "Invisible Army" of school support staff is being launched today by an education sector union.
The New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), representing more than 12,000 support staff in primary, intermediate, area and secondary schools, wants to see targeted funding for core support staff positions so their salaries would be paid by government.
Teacher aides, administration workers, sports co-ordinators, librarians, nurses and therapists have been dubbed the "Invisible Army" and represent the largest area of staffing growth in schools.
NZEI president Frances Nelson said all schools had problems recruiting and retaining quality support staff due to low pay rates. Schools were also struggling with funding to pay for enough teacher aides, administrative support and special-needs support.
- NZPA
