NSW Teachers Federation members at Broken Hill High School have walked off the job over significant staffing problems at their school and others across regional and remote parts of the state.
NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra said staff were angry about the shortage of casual teachers which meant it was difficult to cover for colleagues on leave.
“Some classes at Broken Hill High are being left with minimal supervision, others are being merged into much larger classes sizes with teachers forced to run multiple courses,” Mr Rajendra said.
“Unfilled teaching positions at Broken Hill in the TAS Department have resulted in specialist classes being taken by teachers trained in other subjects.”
“Teachers at Broken Hill are demanding that the NSW Government fill current vacancies and appoint five additional permanent teachers to their school to help manage the staffing crisis.’
“Over the past decade the NSW Government and the Education Department have weakened previously successful processes that ensured adequate staffing of all schools across the state,” Mr Rajendra said.
“The NSW Government has let down students, parents and the wider community by failing to provide teachers for every student and every class.”
“The Education Department have known of the dire teacher shortage for some time but failed to address the problem. It is grossly unfair for students, and in many cases, those with the most complex learning needs.”
“The recommendations of Valuing the Teaching Profession — An Independent Inquiry called for a reset of staffing in public schools, and we are calling on the NSW Government and the Education Department to urgently get on with the job.”