Anonymous #004

Submitter information

Name

Anonymous #004

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)

No

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?

Whilst I understand the idea, which is positive, they are relatively empty. The idea of teaching becomes degrading for every teacher that doesn't get recognition. What does the title mean? How does it provide any benefit to the teachers? How sure are you that what teachers want is recognition? Is it not that they want better work conditions and support? The gesture is good but as someone who wants to enter the industry it adds little to no value to my decision. How are they being selected? Who is to decide that the actions of one teacher are better than another?

This concept should not be the sole motive for change. It is a nice gesture, but this should already be part of the work it should not be a forced recognition. However, if that is what the sector is requesting and missing then perhaps it can go a long way.

There are alternative ways to demonstrate the recognition of the value of a teacher. Have you asked them what they want? Is it really an award that says, 'good work'?

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?

Financial support are excellent strategies to increasing the future labour force in the education industry. However, it cannot be seen as the sole fix as illustrated below.

5. more teaching places in the right subjects and specialisation - this measure is aiming to increase the number of students enrolling in a teaching degree by supporting the cost. This is a good start, but is limited commonwealth supported spots the real issue? Is the course curriculum preparing future teachers adequately? Is the industry reputation a bigger deterrent?

6. bursaries - similar to objective number 5 the intention is to relieve the financial burden of undertaking a teaching qualification. Whilst again this is really good in attracting people is it going to help with the issue long term when the bigger issue is retention?

7 and 8. High achieving teachers' program - lots of benefits for this program initiative that aims to redistribute teachers to new areas, developing the knowledge and skills of both other teachers and students.

9. Immigration is a good option for getting increased supply, however there are drawbacks from this. For instance, some teachers may be willing and able to teach in Australia but due to qualification and standard inconsistencies across countries the quality of teaching will differ. So yes, supply will be targeted, but quality is just as, if not more, important that quantity.

Strengthening Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

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

Somewhat agree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

10. good ideas as long as they actually lead to results. looking into the completion rate needs to be met with targeted solutions.

11. recognising previous knowledge and skill is important but hard to judge what knowledge/ skill is equivalent too. Experience doesn't always mean qualified and vice versa.

Increasing diversity, language options and basic levels of numeracy and literacy for teaching students will create huge benefits to the quality and range of education provided.

Maximising the time to teach

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

Somewhat agree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

supporting teachers by reducing their workloads is a huge benefit that will lead to overall increased efficiency, productivity and drive as there is less burnout. All options presented appear to be working to support teachers in a way that lets them spend more time on teaching and less time working overtime and being underpaid.

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?

Moderately effective

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

Projections and data, whilst highly insightful and useful also only tell you so much in circumstance such as this where there is a sector failure. Knowing how many teachers are required and offering free education will only do so much if there is no understand of what drives the sectors failure.

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 agree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?