Anonymous #348

Submitter information

Name

Anonymous #348

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?

Secondary

What is your occupation?

Teacher

Elevating the profession

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

Neither agree nor disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

I agree the ideas will raise the status of teachers, however this will make no difference to the teachers already in post as they are overworked and micromanaged, no other profession is told to stay until 5pm for a meeting which doesn't happen or when to go to the toilet, or to forfeit their lunch or not be allowed to have a hot drink. teachers need to be allowed to act as any other professionals and trusted to do their job

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 disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

the bursaries worth up to $40,000 each will divide teachers already in post and annoy them, teachers will also leave as soon as the period for staying is over. Giving free degrees would boost applications and maybe a grant while studying to attract more older professionals.

A one year intensive course as in the UK PGCE to give any degree QTS would be a great idea as many do not fancy teaching until later in their studies.

Strengthening Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

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

Strongly agree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

I lecture on a DipEd course and the students are not given enough time in classrooms, only three weeks in year 2, the job should be more like an apprenticeship to fully equip students for life in the classroom and followed up for a couple of years after graduation with a mentorship programme which is not attached to the school. I have mentored several students beyond graduation and this was exactly what they needed to hold their hand through the first couple of years in the job.

Maximising the time to teach

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

Strongly disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

All of the proposals are ones which schools can opt into to, meaning that most will not due to finances or staff shortages. All schools are led by a top down policy and greater training needs to be given to heads on effective management as far too many use bullying tactics which drive staff from the profession. Managers should be schooled in how to embrace, trust and raise teachers up instead of treating them like the students they teach.

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.

Strongly disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

Again it is not education which retains teachers but how they are treated and managed. I know teachers who have spent thousands of dollars and hours attaining additional qualifications, but have been told in no uncertain terms they will never be promoted as they are not in favour with the principal.