Teachers Federation members at Kyogle 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 shortage of casual teachers and the consequent increases in workload. The lack of adequate staffing at the school has also seen classes split.
“Our members at Kyogle High School are deeply concerned that not enough is being done to address the current staffing crisis which is expected to worsen over the coming years,” Mr Rajendra said.
“Staff at Kyogle High say they are constantly being asked to take on extra duties and classes, foregoing lunch breaks and release entitlements when they should be preparing lessons.”
“This has sent staff morale to rock bottom and forced them to work under unfair and stressful conditions.”
“Students and teachers at Kyogle High deserve better.”
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 has 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.”