The problem with state control

The story of the British teacher whose formal qualifications means he can only be paid $25,000 instead of $54,000 illustrates everything that is wrong with having the Government centrally set all pay rates, and not bulk funding schools.

David Boulton has taught for four years in Britain, has two university degrees, a post-graduate teaching certificate and “qualified teacher status”. But this doesn’t quite fit the NZQA system so he would be paid as an unqualified teacher.

Now the school still wants him – especially as there is a shortage of physics teachers. But the Government sets the pay scale and will only fund the school $25,000 for his position. Now if one had bulk funding then the school would be free to pay him as much as they think it is worth to hire him.