school management
Toomelah Public School students . Picture : John Feder / News Corp Australia .
‘ Desperate ’
Rural schools offer bonuses to teachers willing to relocate
By NCA NewsWire
Teachers living in NSW have been offered thousands of dollars in bonuses and accommodation costs as part of efforts to drive more qualified educators into remote schools .
Toomelah Public School , located on the border between New South Wales and
Queensland , has offered up to $ 30,000 to teacher ’ s willing to relocate to the area .
The school ’ s student body has an estimated 100 per cent Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cohort and has been described as a wonderful place to work by Principal Gregory Bass .
But the remote location is making it hard to attract teachers , with Mr Bass turning to social media to attract new staff .
“ We are desperate for teachers !” the principal posted on his personal Facebook page .
“ The teacher shortage is rife all around the country , but if there ’ s anyone in more need than quality and motivated educators , it ’ s these kids .”
In a video , Mr Bass appealed to anyone looking for work , asking them to consider a move to a “ once in a lifetime ” role .
“ We are after the best that includes being an easy-going and flexible teacher willing to learn regardless of experience . “ If you are looking for a fun , unique and exciting challenge as well as a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity , please give us a call .”
In February , more than 2,000 permanent teaching positions were vacant in NSW public schools .
Figures from the education department ’ s recruitment site show 256 job offers for education roles across the state , including teachers , principals , assistant principals and support staff . ■
Lost words
Australian students entering high school with Year 4 English skills , report says .
By Emilie Lauer
One in five Australian students are entering high school without basic literacy and numeracy skills , according to a new report
Research by the Australian Education Research Organisation ( AERO ) found
20 per cent of primary school students are starting Year 7 with the English and mathematics skills of a Year 4 student .
The study interviewed 382 teachers , principals and educational consultants and found that schools are lacking sufficient training , resources and time to help students catch up .
More than 60 per cent of schools reported that a lack of funding and experienced staff are preventing teachers from catering to students ’ needs .
One ACT teacher reported having “ no external support ” and said there were only three teachers dedicated to academic engagement across their entire school .
“ It is really just up to the teacher all the time ,” the teacher said in the report .
Teachers found poor behaviour , disengagement , lack of resources , curriculum length , language barriers and poor parental support were major factors driving poor literacy and numeracy skills .
One teacher said students will just “ google the question ” and rely on plagiarising answers from the internet .
It is a different ball game for some of these kids who can ’ t even put a sentence together ,” they said .
More than half of the schools included in the study said they provided additional literacy support , with a third reporting they supported students “ at times .”
Nearly 50 per cent of school leaders and teachers said they weren ’ t confident in supporting students .
“ Teachers and leaders are wanting to support their students , but many have told us they are unsure of the best approach ,” AERO chief executive Dr Jenny Donovan said . ■
26 | educationreview . com . au