Long-term strategy to tackle teacher supply and demand

17/02/07
The Carpenter Government has established a high level taskforce to tackle long-term teacher supply and demand issues in Western Australia.
Announcing the new initiative today, Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said it was important that there was a long-term, strategic approach to dealing with teacher attraction and retention.
"We are living in times of unprecedented economic prosperity, which brings with it many job opportunities and challenges for recruitment," Mr McGowan said.
"The education sector is no orphan in experiencing difficulties recruiting staff for country areas.
"However, the Carpenter Government is committed to ensuring all students - no matter where they live - receive a quality education.
"That is why we need to be innovative and forward-thinking in our approach to ensure that we can continue to place teachers where they are needed."
The taskforce will advise the Minister on ways to ensure a clear framework for future teacher needs for schools across WA.
Mr McGowan said the taskforce would be chaired by an independent expert and would include representatives from relevant unions, interest groups and all education sectors.
He said the terms of reference for the taskforce were being established and would include:

• supply of, and demand for, teachers;
• the standing of the teaching profession;
• the nature of teaching, inclusive of issues related to workload;
• support structures for teachers; and
• specialisation and multi disciplining.

"A critical factor in addressing teacher shortages will be the development of a clear understanding of the issues related to the standing of teaching as a profession in WA today," the Minister said.
"Professional status impacts on a whole range of issues including attraction, retention, coping with work pressure, occupational commitment, intrinsic motivation and professional growth."
Mr McGowan reiterated that he had written to the Commonwealth Government proposing HECS relief as an additional incentive to young graduates to take up hard to fill country postings.
Minister's office - 9222 9111