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“It wouldn’t surprise you that staffing matters,including the appointment process for principals and workforce planning,generally,has been deemed inadequate by the panel.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the concerns of the Teachers Federation are being addressed through a range of reforms.
“The NSW government is working with teachers closely on these reforms to ensure that school time is focused on what matters most – leading,teaching and supporting students,” the spokesperson said.
Teachers told the panel,which also included former justice of the NSW Industrial Court Trish Kavanagh,that red tape,constant policy changes and increasing use of data in classrooms left them with less time to do their jobs. They needed more time to plan and collaborate with colleagues.
“There is an urgent need for a significant reset in teaching arrangements to properly support the profession to do its job,” Professor Gallop said.
He said a crisis was defined as a time of intense difficulty or danger,when a difficult or important decision must be made. “The situation in NSW public schools right now fits this definition of crisis,” he said.
“There are dangers at play and important decisions need to be made now and implemented wisely.” His recommendations will be handed down on the weekend.
The spokesperson said the department has a work program to reduce the administrative burden on schools which has delivered several improvements for teachers over the last three years.
“Teachers’ wellbeing is one of the NSW government’s highest priorities because we know that when they feel supported,students benefit,” the spokesperson said.
“We are committed to refining and improving our strategies to achieve ongoing success in meeting the needs of students,school communities and teachers,and ensuring NSW public schools are always staffed by quality teachers.”
Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos said there were more than 1000 submissions from teachers and schools. Academics,economists and education experts also gave evidence during more than a month of public hearings.
“The evidence submitted before the panel was compelling,” he said. “And it is clear that our teachers and principals deserve better.”
A similar investigation was commissioned by the federation in 2002,and chaired by social sciences professor Tony Vinson.
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