Teachers speak up for the system

Colin Devitt, Emma Pearce, Dean Newbold, Wendy Ford, John Semark

Colin Devitt, Monaro High School: "If [the staffing system] goes to local selection what will we be able to offer them to come to our school?

"We are competing for staff among a dwindling number of teachers...that's what makes it such a ridiculous idea," he said. "With a centralised system they make sure each school is staffed on an equitable basis," he added.

Emma Pearce, Bathurst West Public School: "The transfer system guarantees you don't have to be somewhere forever. I wanted to move somewhere that [had facilities and services] and professionally I think it's good to change schools."

After two years and three terms at Tooleybuc Central School Emma accessed a transfer and moved to a regional centre in term 1, 2007.

Dean Newbold, Rooty Hill High School: "Interviews take up an enormous amount of time as Fed Rep. At Rooty Hill High School it would take the equivalent of half a staff member to do interviews instead of transfers because interviews involve three or four staff members for two or three days for each vacancy that goes to interview.

Wendy Ford, Wyong High School: "At Tottenham Central School I had to develop all the programs to fit the syllabus. Those skills I took with me to my other schools."

Wendy taught at Tottenham Central School for five years until she got a transfer to Umina High School. After 12 months she accepted a nominated transfer to Wyong High School.

John Semark, Mount Druitt Public School: "I don't think there could be a better system to go with. It's so easy for all staff to access."

John accessed a transfer after being unhappy in a school.

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Last Modified: 07 Feb 2008