Anonymous #211

Submitter information

Name

Anonymous #211

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?

Primary

What is your occupation?

Teacher

Elevating the profession

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

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

Job security is a major issue. Going from 12 month contact to contract is incredibly stressful. Having to reapply for your position and ‘compete’ against your colleagues undermines us as professionals, and diminishes our worth. Initially, a 12 month contract is perfectly reasonable for new graduate teachers, but after that all teachers should have ongoing jobs. The current system needs to change as lack of job security drives teachers out of the profession. Additionally, teacher work loads are unsustainable. Banks of lessons should be readily available from government sources for free (not on top teacher or teach starter which we have to pay for ourselves) rather than each teacher reinventing the wheel every time they change year levels. Outside costs are also off putting - spending a couple of thousands of dollars each year on new books, resources and equipment (even furniture such as book shelves) is unheard of in other professions.

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.

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.

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?

Less contact hours, more support staff in each classroom, teachers not doing administration tasks such as organising excursions and sorting out payments etc. less time on useless data.

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.

Would you like to provide feedback about these actions?