The Ministry of Education and the Post Primary Teachers Association are meeting on Friday to negotiate following Thursday's mega-strike.
Education Minister Jan Tinetti acknowledged there were areas of the learning system that were “completely broken” and said the Government needs to do better.
Acting president for the PPTA Chris Abercrombie told Tova O'Brien he’s optimistic about the talks.
"It's clear from what the Minister said yesterday she recognises our concerns," Abercrombie said.
"I'm hopeful that she wants to get a settlement because we definitely want to get a settlement that meets our needs."
While they are still open to some form of negotiation, he told O'Brien they have explained exactly what it is they need from the government.
"I'm not ruling anything out or ruling anything in, it's completely up to the membership to decide those things.
"We have made it pretty clear to the minister about the tools we need in our toolbox to recruit and retain teachers in the future."
As of Friday morning, Abercrombie hasn't heard whether more money will be allocated to the education sector but said that is what they need.
"The Ministry of Education has said they have reached their 'fiscal envelope' so the Minister needs to put more money in."
Listen to the full interview between PPTA Chris Abercrombie and Tova above.
You can also download the full interview on the Tova podcast, and listen on the go.
