Charlotte Varcoe
WORKFORCE shortages, infrastructure struggles and teacher burnout was highlighted to the Shadow Minister for Education during a brief visit to the region last week.
John Gardner visited about 10 schools during Book Week as well as TafeSA and non-government schools where he discussed a range of different topics.
Mr Gardner said everyone continued to grapple with workforce shortages but it was “exacerbated” in regional areas.
He said the schools were really grateful for their temporary relief staff and the resilience of their staff members.
“Schools are really grateful for the resilience of the staff members they have and the teachers who have been loyal to their sites for an extended period of time,” Mr Gardner said.
“But there is a shortage around the states and I think that it is the importance of addressing that which has been really highlighted to me.”
He said a number of schools were “really impressed” with the teaching students in their third and fourth year who had been given special authority to teach.
“It is one way to address it but we have got to be careful that those young teachers do not burn out at the beginning of their career,” Mr Gardner said.
“Support for those teachers and support for those schools which are struggling with workforces is really important.”
He said another thing which was brought to his attention included the Victorian Government’s incentives to attract teachers over the border.
“They are recruiting teachers across the border for tens-of-thousands of dollars, which is a really complicated factor because their teacher shortage is far, far worse than the one in South Australia,” he said.
“They are pulling out all the stops to encourage anyone to think about moving to Victoria.”
Other issues included infrastructure challenges including long delays with routine maintenance or the removal of transportable classrooms.
Despite the challenges expressed to him during his visits, Mr Gardner said he was also impressed by the positivity of the staff and enthusiasm from the teachers.
“I have been really impressed and I have loved meeting with and speaking to so many of the young people, some of the student leaders and students who are passionate about their schools and towns,” Mr Gardner said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of our #Savesoutheastschools campaign. Let us know what is happening in your school by using the hashtag, or email us on editorial@tbwtoday.com.au
