by GRACE JOHNSON
The NSW Teachers Federation is hoping that their recent wage agreement with the Minns Government will replenish teacher numbers, as alarming statistics were released yesterday, revealing the depth of teacher shortages across NSW.
A new survey by the NSW Department of Education has found that there are nearly 10,000 lessons a day without a teacher in public schools.
The 42 per cent downfall in the number of available casual teachers has meant that schools are left short on average 3000 casual teachers every day.
Furthermore, 87 per cent of public schools in NSW are impacted by a shortage of casual teachers each day. The numbers are significantly worse in parts of Sydney’s west and south-west, rural and remote areas, and schools for specific purposes.
NSW Teachers Federation Acting President Henry Rajendra said: “Regrettably, this data comes as no surprise. The teacher shortage in NSW public schools is a direct consequence of the former government’s wage cap that artificially suppressed teachers’ pay. The wage cap made the profession less attractive.
“Worse still, and adding to the unattractiveness of the profession, is unmanageable teacher workloads due to the policies of the previous government. The situation was so bad that resignation rates outpaced retirements.”
The severe shortfall in casual teachers also has domino effects, the survey showed. Library lessons, support programs for those who most need it, and time for professional development – this all tends to get cancelled as schools struggle to keep up.
The agreement struck between NSW Teachers Federation and the Minns Government in September will take effect this week.
The four-year agreement will see all teachers benefit from wage increases and is considered to be a key measure to end the shortage by attracting and retaining teachers.
The starting salary for a NSW teacher will increase from $75,791 to $85,000 and the salary for top of the scale teachers will increase from $113,042 to $122,100.
Mr Rajendra said, “By paying teachers what they are worth, expanding the pool of teachers available, whether they are casual, permanent, at the early stages of their career or highly experienced, we can begin to reverse the damage done.
“Casual teacher rates have been adjusted upwards meaning typical a casual teacher will now take home much higher pay than they would have previously.
“However, more work is needed to address the unmanageable and unsustainable workloads of teachers in order to make the profession attractive once again. We will continue to engage with the government on this matter.”
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said, “This survey lays bare the extent of the crisis that the former Liberal National government denied and ignored while they claimed teachers weren’t working hard enough to get a pay rise.”
“It is vital for a child’s education that they have a qualified teacher in front of them for every lesson, and that is what we’re working towards.”
