Addressing the teacher shortage crisis in Victoria requires immediate action by the Victorian government through a retention payment to keep the current workforce in public schools.
The Australian Education Union Victorian Branch has welcomed the Federal Government’s $10 million advertising blitz to increase enrolments in teacher training, but called for a retention payment from the Victorian government to keep existing teachers in the classroom.
“Teaching is a rewarding career, and we’re pleased to see investment in advertising that demonstrates and values the important job that teachers do,” said AEU Victorian Branch President Meredith Peace.
“However, the shortage of teachers, principals and education support staff is having an impact on Victorian public schools right now, today.
“Advertising campaigns can have an impact long term and are critical to attracting new enrolments in initial teacher education, but measures that address the crisis in the short term are also required.
“The situation is extremely serious, with students in too many classrooms without a permanent qualified teacher. It is a completely unacceptable situation.
“The Allan Labor Government has a responsibility to Victorian public school students and families to ensure there is a permanent qualified teacher in every single classroom. This will require bold and urgent action.
“As a first step, the Allan Labor Government should provide public schools teachers, principals, and education support staff a retention payment to incentivise them to stay in our schools.
"There is no time to waste."
"The AEU will continue to campaign for a range of bold and urgent initiatives to address the teacher shortage until the Allan Labor Government meets their responsibility to ensure every public school student has a permanent qualified teacher at the front of their classroom.”
Media: Alys Gagnon – 0438 379 977
31 October 2023