A statewide shortage of teachers has prompted staff at local schools to plan a rally in Goulburn on Wednesday, November 10 from 8am outside the office of Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, citing the government's inaction on worsening teacher shortages in the area and the impact it is having on public schools.
NSW Teachers Federation deputy president Henry Rajendra, said that without action, the shortages of full-time and casual teachers would grow due to rising enrolments, a 30 per cent decline in people studying teaching, a rapidly ageing workforce and unsustainable workloads.
"The teacher shortages will only get worse and it's country kids who will pay the price," Mr Rajendra said.
"Members of parliament need to make clear whether they support the government's one-size fits all salary cap which is contributing to shortages, or whether they support a greater investment in country teachers.
"Every year teachers have been asked to do more but every year their pay has fallen in comparison to other professions.
"The shortages are proof that if we don't pay teachers what they are worth, we don't get the teachers we need."
There will also be rallies in Wagga Wagga, Nowra and Wollongong.
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Burney Wong
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
I love sport. You can reach me at burney.wong@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 291 518.
