NSW school staffing crisis hits Merewether High School

Teachers Federation members at Merewether 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 over the failure of the NSW Government to properly staff schools across the state.

“Merewether High School is having difficulty securing casuals to cover classes for colleagues on leave which is causing disruption to teaching and learning programs,” Mr Rajendra said.

“Staff are extremely concerned about the additional workload they are faced with because of staffing inadequacies at their school.”

“Our members are also concerned about the shortage of school counsellors which is impacting on the level of care and support students at Merewether High require.”

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 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.”