HUNTER educators have welcomed an independent inquiry investigating the changed nature and value of teachers' work moving to explore issues including rural and remote education.
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As reported in September, the NSW Teachers Federation commissioned the Valuing the Teaching Profession inquiry, the first of its kind in more than 15 years, and will make the case for improvements in salaries and working conditions.
The inquiry has heard from education experts and will hear this week from teachers and principals, before returning for a further four days from November 9.
Federation representatives will provide evidence on Monday on issues including rural and remote education, Aboriginal students, students with disabilities and multicultural education.
Federation regional organiser Jack Galvin Waight said the inquiry "has and continues to make it clear that teachers and principals need better remuneration and more time and support".
"In Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, for example, an expansion of every school's staffing entitlement by employing additional permanent teachers would be hugely welcomed," he said.
"This would create more permanent positions for temporary and casual teachers, reduce class sizes and the teaching load of all teachers, and improve systemic curriculum support for schools.
"In the more rural and remote regions in the Hunter, there simply aren't enough school counsellors and at times casual teachers to support the complex needs of all of our students.
"This must change immediately as the inquiry continues to highlight the needs and complexities of students has changed significantly over the last 17 years.
"Yet the support, pay and working conditions of teachers simply have not."
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Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
