As kids get ready to head back to school, educators are worried about a lack of teachers - with a shortage of about 346 full time teachers sparking concerns.

The PPTA's Chris Abercrombie says New Zealand is competing with the rest of the world for staff. 

He says New Zealand needs to be an attractive place for domestic teachers to stay, and for overseas teachers to move to. 

"The Government could be looking at increasing pay and conditions at their upcoming collective agreement - we know that pay helps keep people in the profession."

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