NSW School Staffing Crisis Hits Fort Street High School

Teachers Federation members at Fort Street High School have walked off the job over the negative impact the state-wide teacher shortage is having on their school.

NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra said staff walked out in frustration at the staffing crisis in public schools across the state.

“Our members at Fort Street have condemned the NSW Government for its failure to adequately staff public schools,” Mr Rajendra said.

“The Government has responsibility for the provision of public education and its failure to adequately staff public schools leaves students without the resourcing and support needed to reach their potential.”

Fort Street High School has been unable to secure casual teachers to cover for colleagues on leave which is impacting on curriculum delivery and student well-being.

Teachers have been forced to use minimal supervision to cover senior classes, when instead, these students need the specific expertise of their teachers to support their HSC preparation.

“Teachers at Fort Street High have called on the NSW Government to urgently address the staffing crisis.”

Mr Rajendra said 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 workload 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.”