National inquiry into teacher training

by Angelo Gavrielatos

Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson has announced yet another inquiry into teacher training.

Between 1980 and 1999 there were 21 national and NSW reviews and reports.

The announcement of this inquiry, on February 17, is further evidence of an emerging pattern of behaviour by Dr Nelson which has seen the announcement of inquiry after inquiry in recent months.

The political intention behind this behaviour is also becoming increasingly clear.

The actions of the Minister are nothing short of political opportunism. His announcements are intended to secure headlines for himself. Furthermore, never-ending inquiries are a tool used to deflect accountability and responsibility.

The announcement is part of a pattern of behaviour intended to fabricate a crisis in confidence in education, specifically in public education. And to further fabricate the crisis he seeks to undermine and denigrate teachers in public schools. The Minister gave this away when, in his press conference launching this latest inquiry, he said that he wanted to bring "professionalism to teachers, because goodness knows they need it".

In reality, this inquiry is a waste of time, effort and money that could be more profitably invested in public education.

Federation will engage in this inquiry and resubmit the union's policy and campaign objectives.

Put simply, public education needs more money invested in pre-service teacher training (to increase practicum time) and beginning teacher induction programs.

There are reports and ample evidence which call for reduced teaching loads for beginning teachers and reduced teaching loads for mentors.

It is reported that possibly up to 25 per cent of new teachers leave teaching during the first five years of their teaching careers.

With one in four teachers eligible for retirement in the next five years and a predicted national shortage of between 20,000-30,000 teachers by the end of the decade, Dr Nelson should stop playing politics and provide the necessary resources to address the teacher shortage crisis which is being compounded by the exodus of new teachers.

Angelo Gavrielatos is the Senior Vice President.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005