Teachers are too stressed to observe pupils' demeanour, a Kawerau kaiako [teacher] says.
O'Sonia Hotereni takes classes at Te Whata Tau O Putauaki, a Maori medium school, and recently gave a speech on Maori primary education in Wellington.
Teachers are tied up compiling reports and ensuring students meet reading and writing standards, she says. But she wants teachers to listen to a child's tone of voice and examine students' body language.
Ms Hotereni suggests kaiako will have to find more time for their tamariki on top of their classroom duties and instructions from senior management.
She questions when teachers can find the time to take a step back and look at the children they're educating.
