The proposal would reinvest the $55 million allocated to resource teachers — trained specialist teachers — over four years into "more equitable education initiatives that will deliver better outcomes for learners".
There are 110 literacy resource teachers and 49 Maori resource teachers around New Zealand.
Resource teacher of literacy Bronwyn Fennessy has been in the role for 11 years, based in Gore Main School, but travels around 25 different schools in the region, helping about 100 pupils a year.
Mrs Fennessy found out about the new proposal, which meant now her job was suddenly in peril, through social media.
The news came as a shock, as she said there was no communication from the ministry to resource teachers. Instead it went through boards and schools.
To be enrolled in her programme children must be two years behind their classmates in the literacy curriculum and Mrs Fennessy works as the sole interventionist to get them back on track.
"Often I am the literacy expert going into those schools, especially the smaller ones. I work with the children, their parents, the community, teachers and teacher aides.
"Without me, these children are going to fall through the gaps, especially in smaller schools without the numbers to access ministry funding for someone else to help."
Mrs Fennessy said the news was devastating and made her worried for the children who required her services.
"It’s a huge bombshell. It’s hugely upsetting for people in my job. It’s really terrifying for the future, for our kids.
"I worry about who will help them. Classroom teachers have the expertise, but sometimes don’t have the time in [larger classes]," she said.
Mrs Fennessy is not taking it lying down, putting up posters asking for people to share their stories to present to the ministry to stop jobs being slashed.
"We just want as many as we can get to get the word out there. Schools and students are going to suffer without the support," she said.
Mrs Fennessy had a message for the ministry ahead of the decision.
"Don’t further endanger our children’s learning. Put literacy experts in the schools, in all schools, and make a difference."
In a statement, acting hautū (leader) Ministry of Education curriculum centre Pauline Cleaver said the potential restructuring would help the education process, equalising support throughout New Zealand.
"To create more equitable resourcing and greater impact, the government is considering how literacy support services are delivered across the system.
"Evaluations have highlighted inconsistencies in the provision of resource teachers...
"In response, we are rolling out a knowledge-rich national curriculum for English and Māori medium, as well as kaupapa Māori education. "
Mrs Cleaver stated the $55m would be shifted around to help those in need, and expected them to help the educational system, not hinder it.
Consultation on the proposal closes on March 21.
