Anonymous #155

Submitter information

Name

Anonymous #155

Where are you located?

Western Australia

What type of area do you live in?

Metropolitan

Are you an education professional?
(e.g. teacher, school leader, learning support assistant, teacher’s aide)

Yes

Which sector do you work in?

Other

What is your occupation?

Teacher

Elevating the profession

The actions proposed recognise the value teachers bring to students, communities and the economy.

Somewhat disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

The first step in valuing what teachers bring is through a remuneration schedule that indicates this. Teachers are still purchasing resources for their classes (buying rewards, food, reading books and basic equipment for student use) Teachers are still going to their classes in the 'holiday' period to set up their classes and doing hours of out of school work. None are recognised in their take home pay.

As a visiting teacher, I am still using my own car to drive to the schools i support as a limited number of work vehicles are available. The laughable 'allowance' I can claim has not been increased in YEARS and certainly does not match the ongoing raising fuel proces and cost of car upkeep.

How is expecting me to pay for a tank of fuel and service my car (for work use) valuing the work I do and elevating my profession.

Improving teacher supply

The actions proposed will be effective in increasing the number of students entering ITE, number of students completing ITE and the number of teachers staying in and/or returning to the profession.

Somewhat agree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

I have seen 8 teachers leave my small and specific team in the past 2 years. One returned from LSL, had a critical incident, and packed up her stuff and left the same day. Never came back! Others 'retired' but actually left to do relief as the work was 'easier' than their regular role.

These are experienced, valuable, energetic, professionals who felt so devalued in their work place that it was easier to leave.

So the idea of retaining staff will be interesting to see unfold.

Despite having a love/hate relationship with my job, I certainly do not recommend school leavers enter the profession. Not without some serious changes.

Strengthening Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

The actions proposed will ensure initial teacher education supports teacher supply and quality.

Somewhat disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

There is absolutely no way that teacher training courses can address and prepare beginning teachers for what the job really is. I say this as a teacher consultant specialising in behaviour management. It is clear that behaviour management is one of the key reasons why teachers leave the profession, so unless there are significant changes in that area (as a starting point), why bother trying to change anything else.

Please keep in mind that with over 20 years experience in this field, I say with all seriousness that students are coming to school more disregulated and traumatised than ever. So much so, that they cannot access even the most engaging curriculum. Teachers cannot teach when student mental health is such a barrier to learning. How do you teach beginning teachers to be counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists?

Maximising the time to teach

The actions proposed will improve retention and free up teachers to focus on teaching and collaboration.

Somewhat disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

Not true. So many teachers collaborative time is spent chasing kids not in their allocated class and attending meetings about these same kids so the school doesn't have to release them and pay relief.

Better understanding future teacher workforce needs

How effective are the proposed actions in better understanding future teacher workforce needs, including the number of teachers required?

Slightly effective

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

Start by understanding current tracher needs and go from there. Fix current shortages and reasons why tea hers are leaving the profession first.

Better career pathways to support and retain teachers in the profession

The proposed actions will improve career pathways, including through streamlining the process for Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation, and providing better professional support for teachers to retain them in the profession.

Somewhat disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

I've been so intimidated and overwhelmed by the level 3 application process that I've started it 3 times and stopped before getting anywhere. The process is so time consuming and onerous that it becomes another unmanageable task. This is with 20 Yeats experience.

I'm in a specialist school with zero pathways for advancement. Despite my specialist knowledge and support provided to schools, I have less opportunities to advance and would've been better off staying in the classroom.