Anonymous #030

Submitter information

Name

Anonymous #030

Where are you located?

Victoria

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.

Somewhat disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

I appreciate the recommendations, one of the key components it is missing is pay. Whilst this is not the only factor in recognising the value of teachers, it certainly will gain more respect and attract more people to enter the 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.

Strongly disagree

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

I, like many of my colleagues, am currently in the process of upskilling to change professions from teaching. One of the most notable changes, which has impacted on workload that was introduced approximately 5 years ago was continuous assessment and reporting. Teachers now have to continually assess and report on a frequent basis. For example, a secondary teacher may have 8 classes with 25 students resulting in marking assessment and reporting for 200 students.

Strengthening Initial Teacher Education (ITE)

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

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

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?

I think it's really important for teachers to get their autonomy back. Since 2016, there was a significant change to meetings and professional learning which has impacted on teacher workload. These meetings or PL (not all but some) are not upskilling teachers, with some schools using it for art shows, exhibitions of student work, and the same data discussions. These meetings often feel as though it is justifying someones position with "budy work". We previously had time to work with our students after school, however, now we don't have this available.
Whilst there is a reduction in face-to-face teaching, I don't think this is the answer. As a teacher you don't go into this profession to work less with young people, this is the best part of the job.

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?

Whilst it is important to recruit new graduates and overseas applicants, more consideration needs to be given to current staff and retaining these workers also. The attrition rate in many schools across Melbourne is high. One way that this could be addressed is by not capping top teachers salary. Once you have been teaching for 10+ years your wage halts with no further salary steps.

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?

I feel this is going to be very problematic, with teachers pitted against each other for these positions. I think it should be available to ALL accomplished teachers, removing principal discretion. This would be the most fair and equitable way of allocating these positions rather than teachers competing for the role.