New survey results show overwhelming public support for stronger learning support in New Zealand schools, with 83 percent of parents saying they want a teacher aide in every classroom. The findings highlight growing concern among families about whether schools have the resources needed to support increasingly diverse learning needs.
Strong parental support for classroom assistance
According to the survey results, a large majority of parents believe additional classroom support staff are essential for effective teaching and learning. Teacher aides play a crucial role in helping students with additional learning needs, supporting behaviour management, and allowing teachers to focus on delivering lessons.
The call for more support is consistent with wider education research. Surveys of teachers have also shown that support staff are among the most sought-after improvements in the school system. One national survey found that 76 percent of primary teachers said they would like more support staff in schools, alongside smaller classroom sizes and more time to work with individual learners.
Workforce challenges for support staff
The issue is not only about numbers but also about job stability. May teacher aides work on fixed-term contracts or limited hours, which can make it difficult to retain experienced staff.
Research from NZEI Te Riu Roa suggests that more than half of teacher aides are on insecure contracts and only a small proportion work full-time, creating ongoing workforce challenges for schools trying to maintain consistent support for learners.
What this means for school leaders
The survey reflects a broader conversation happening across the education sector. Schools are being asked to meet increasingly complex learning, behavioural, and well-being needs while working within constrained staffing models.
Having a teacher aide in every classroom could provide greater flexibility for schools to deliver inclusive learning environments and respond more quickly to students who need additional support.
While the proposal would require significant investment, advocates argue long-term benefits could include improved learning outcomes, better classroom environments, and reduced pressure on teachers.
