Minister determined to restore teachers’ pride in their profession

Teachers do not feel valued in society with more than half admitting they would not recommend anyone entering the profession, according to a damning internal department survey.

Teachers do not feel valued in society with more than half admitting they would not recommend anyone entering the profession, according to a damning internal department survey.

So severe were the teaching shortages that almost 80 per cent of teachers said the lack of staff was hindering their ability to teach students, the NSW Department of Education survey found.

This was especially the case in the areas of maths, science and technological and applied studies teachers, where the lack of qualified teachers was having a negative impact on the teaching of students.

The staff shortages were also impacting special education and inclusive education with almost 70 per cent of teachers saying the lack of teachers was impacting the school’s capacity to provide instruction.

The findings are contained in an interim “teacher supply strategy” survey the Department’s Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation conducted last year.

Despite repeated requests for the results, it had never been released until now.

Almost 80 per cent of NSW teachers said the lack of staff was hindering their ability to teach students. Picture: iStock

And while incomplete, the results the survey does contain were cause for serious concern, according to NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos.

“The results are shocking and confirm what was being denied by the previous government – that there is a severe teacher shortage and that it is so bad that 80 per cent of teachers say it is impacting the instruction of students,” he said.

NSW teachers federation president Angelo Gavrielatos. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Damian Shaw

“This is the survey that we sought on several occasions, but it was never made available.

“It shows how much work needs to occur and regrettably, it won’t be a quick fix.”

It is estimated more than 4000 teachers took part in the survey.

The estimate is based on the fact the survey indicated eight per cent of teachers responded and that there were almost 56,000 teachers employed full-time in NSW government schools last year.

Asked if they felt that the teaching profession was valued in society, more than 28 per cent “strongly disagreed” with 41.2 per cent “disagreeing”.

Education Minister Prue Car. Picture: Tim Hunter

Just 1.6 per cent of teachers said they agreed with the idea that they were valued.

As for recommending the teaching profession to others, more than 26 per cent said they “strongly disagreed” with almost 35 per cent “disagreeing”.

Just 3.4 per cent indicated they would recommend the profession.

Despite indicating a deep unhappiness with the profession, more than 70 per cent of teachers said they felt a sense of belonging to the school community, including with colleagues, parents and students.

When asked if a lack of teaching staff was impacting instruction, almost 44 per cent of teachers said “a lot” while 35 per cent said "to some extent”.

Education Minister Prue Car said not only was the previous State government not listening to teachers, but tried to hide the truth by “burying reports like this”.

“Teachers were telling me staff shortages and unreasonable workloads were leading to them leaving the profession in record numbers,” she said.

“I am determined to restore teachers’ pride in their profession by reducing their admin workload and improving pay and conditions.

“Just last week the Minns Labor Government halved more than 70 changes to policies and put a pause on pilots to consult with teachers on which ones should continue. Our kids need teachers who love their jobs.”