Teachers Federation members at Karabar High School at Queanbeyan 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, the school’s unfilled vacancies and the consequent increases in workload.
“Students are missing out on classes with an appropriately trained teacher or placed under minimal supervision,” Mr Rajendra said.
“Our members say they are overwhelmed with requests to teach extra periods to cover for absent colleagues, impacting on their capacity to prepare for classes and deliver quality teaching and learning.”
“Teachers are demanding urgent action to address the teacher shortage at their school.”
Karabar HS has several unfilled vacancies that include maths and science positions.
“Students and teachers at Karabar 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.”