Pre-Service teachers in Aotearoa, New Zealand, must complete school placements. On average, we are expected to complete roughly 40 hours of unpaid work for 4-5 weeks every year for the length of our degree. We are expected to take leave from any paid part-time jobs and other commitments during this time. Over our placements, we are taking on a hefty workload. Quite often, our placements are in schools that are not within walking distance, and most of the time, we do have drive.

 
Our workload consists of all the typical workloads of teachers (planning and meetings as well as teaching time) plus the work required for our University work. Many pre-service teachers and studying part-time and work full-time jobs to support themselves. Most days, we are expected to be at school from 7:30 am - after 4 pm.

Not being paid is putting many Pre-service teachers is putting many of us in difficult situations financially. Furthermore, Pre-service teachers not being paid is breaking New Zealand labour laws.