C-minus for teacher scholarships programme

Labour's scholarship scheme for would-be teachers through TeachNZ barely rates a pass mark for encouraging fresh talent to teaching, says National's Education spokeswoman, Katherine Rich.

"Answers to parliamentary questions show that only half of the $5 million allocated for scholarships was allocated in the 2005/06 year. In the 2006/07 year there was a $1.5 million under spend that could have gone to support quality teachers. Midway through this year, only $716,000 has been spent of the 2007 budget of $9,633,000.

"It is very clear why Labour reorganised the teacher scholarship scheme in a panic just a few months ago, despite the Minister at the time claiming the changes were no reflection of the success of the scheme.

"When official figures show that almost 40% of the current teaching workforce will retire in the next 15 years, the pressure is on to encourage smart, younger people into the profession.

"Since 2001, 4,646 trainees have received $10,000 each and fewer than half have gone on to teach for 20 weeks or more.

"The reality is that Labour's scheme failed to attract quality applicants at a time when the teacher shortage is at crisis point".

Follows: PQ 20145, 20146, 20147

20145 (2007). Katherine Rich to the Minister of Education (05 Dec 2007): What was the budget for TeachNZ Scholarships in the financial year from 1 July 2005 – 31 June 2006 and what was actually spent?
Hon Chris Carter (Minister of Education) replied: The budget for TeachNZ Scholarships in the financial year from 1 July 2005 – 30 June 2006 was $5,381,000. $2,836,000 was spent.

20146 (2007). Katherine Rich to the Minister of Education (05 Dec 2007): What is the budget for TeachNZ Scholarships in the financial year from 1 July 2007 and how much has been spent year to date?
Hon Chris Carter (Minister of Education) replied: The budget for TeachNZ Scholarships in the financial year from 1 July 2007 is $9,633,000. $716,000 has been spent to date. The majority of fees and allowances for new and existing scholarship recipients are not due for payment until the second half of the current financial year.

20147 (2007). Katherine Rich to the Minister of Education (05 Dec 2007): What was the budget for TeachNZ Scholarships in the financial year from 1 July 2006 – 31 June 2007 and what was actually spent?
Hon Chris Carter (Minister of Education) replied: The budget for TeachNZ Scholarships in the financial year from 1 July 2006 -30 June 2007 was $6,082,000. $4,566,000 was spent