Teachers Federation members at Homebush Public 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 teacher shortages affecting most public schools in NSW.
“Homebush Public School has been unable to secure casual teachers to cover for colleagues on leave which is impacting on curriculum delivery and student well-being,” Mr Rajendra said.
“Specialist teachers are being taken away from their normal duties as they step in to cover classes for colleagues on leave.”
“Senior staff at Homebush Public School are spending hours each day attempting to find casual teachers and arrange timetables. On some days the school is up to ten teachers short.
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 workloads of teachers have 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.”