South Australia is facing a teacher shortage crisis that is “deeply affecting” schools in country towns like Naracoorte.
Highlighting this, Australian Education Union (SA Branch) president Andrew Gohl says the government needs to provide improved conditions and incentives to hire and retain educators in rural areas.
“Kids are missing out when a school can’t find teachers to fill vacancies, and that reflects on a system at breaking point,” Mr Gohl said.
He said teachers were burning out at rates never seen before, with half of them planning to leave in the next five years.
“We need improved conditions and salaries to attract and retain great educators in country areas. That’s what the AEU is fighting for now in enterprise bargaining.”
When asked if the union was aware of claims that 14 teachers left Naracoorte High School last year, Mr Gohl said that from their research, teachers were leaving the profession in droves.
“One teacher leaving might be an individual issue, but teachers leaving in the number we’re seeing is a system-level issue, and that’s on the government to change.
“When incentives run out, housing supply and quality are poor, and it feels like the system isn’t supporting you, you can see why educators choose to leave.”
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
