NSW Teachers Federation members at Great Lakes College Tuncurry Campus (GLCTC) have walked off the job over the NSW Government’s failure to properly staff their school and other public schools in rural and remote parts of the state.
NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra said during this school term teachers at GLCTC have had to merge classes when colleagues were on leave which has impacted on curriculum delivery.
“When teachers are absent from the school on leave or for any other reason it is the Education Department’s responsibility to make sure there is a suitably qualified teacher for every class and every student,” Mr Rajendra said.
“Teachers at GLCTC are unhappy with the large numbers of classes which are being split and the impact that is having on teaching and learning programs at the school.”
“Teachers Federation members at GLCTC have passed a motion calling on the Education Department to appoint additional permanent staff to their school to ensure the continuity of classes when teachers are on sick leave or taking part in professional development courses.”
“Teachers know this staffing shortage is affecting a large number of schools across the state and they want action from the NSW Government so students are not left without teachers during the winter flu season and beyond.”
“The disruption at Tuncurry Campus has created additional workload pressures for staff and presents ongoing work, health and safety issues for teachers and students.”
“The shortage of casuals has meant teachers have been forced to take many extra classes above their timetabled load in an attempt to reduce the impact on students.”
“This situation is unacceptable. Our students and our teachers deserve better and the Government must act to meet its obligation to fully staff our public schools.”
“The Gallop inquiry into the work of teachers found earlier this year that uncompetitive salaries for teachers and unsustainable workloads are leading to teacher shortages.”
“The workloads of teachers have increased every year but their salaries have fallen every year compared to other professions.”
“You can’t fix the shortages without fixing the wages and workload problem.”
“If we don’t pay teachers what they are worth, we won’t get the teachers we need.”