Anonymous #342

Submitter information

Name

Anonymous #342

Where are you located?

Australian Capital Territory

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?

Primary

What is your occupation?

Teacher

Elevating the profession

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

Somewhat agree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

There is still the issue of remuneration increases for expertise where a teacher has reached the top of the pay scale but does not want to progress into leadership roles.

For example, breaking down expertise levels so that expert teachers can increase their salaries and not be stuck on a pay level for a number of years and also do not feel pressured to undertake Level C, B or A roles to be recognised and acknowledged financially.

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.

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

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?

ITE should definitely involve a significant internship within schools towards the end of the program. For example, bring back internships for a period of at least 8 weeks in one block with one class which is overseen by an experienced teacher for at least 6 weeks, followed by 1 or 2 weeks where the preservice teacher has full duty of care for the same class, then one week of relief teaching in the same school.

Hands-on experience for a significant time is invaluable and much more useful in preparing a new teacher for the role.

Maximising the time to teach

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

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

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?

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

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?

See previous notes on the acknowledgment of experienced teachers and remuneration to support them especially if they have been on the top pay scale but do not want to undertake leadership roles (eg Team Leader, Level C, Deputy Principal, Principal) to have pay increases.