NSW teacher vacancy crisis hits new high with schools in city and bush both impacted

There are over 2000 staff vacancies across schools in NSW with schools across the whole state feeling the impact of the teacher shortage crisis.

Teacher shortages have become so extreme in NSW that some schools are trying to conduct classes with up to 17 staff vacancies.

Department of Education figures released to state parliament reveal how the shortage crisis is impacting both high schools and primary schools in the city and bush.

While the Minns government is hoping its record pay rise to teachers will help plug gaps, NSW Education Minister Pru Car is expected to join other State and Territory education ministers in demanding the federal government lift its investment in public schools at a meeting with Education Minister Jason Clare on Monday.

The meeting will mark the start of negotiations for the next National School Reform Agreement, which ties taxpayer funding over the next five years to schooling improvements such as attendance and academic outcomes.

However, the States and Territories – backed by the teacher unions – wants the federal government to also increase its share of funding in public schools in a move they say will help teacher shortages.

In NSW, the figures show there were 2030 staff vacancies across schools as at September 25 this year.

Murrumbidgee Regional High School – which has about 1200 students – had 17 staff shortages, while in Sydney, Arthur Philip High School – with almost 1300 students – had 14 vacancies.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) has linked the lack of ­investment in schools to the growing teacher shortage crisis, which in turn was contributing to the achievement gaps between children of different backgrounds and areas.

The federal government has reportedly offered to lift its share of funding for public schools to 22.5 per cent of running costs, which falls short of the 25 per cent sought by the States, who fund the remainder.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said the need for the additional investment was urgent to fund smaller class sizes, additional support for students with complex needs and small group tutoring for those at risk of falling behind.

NSW Teachers Federation acting president Henry Rajendra said most NSW school were funded well below the minimum level that was agreed upon as necessary for meeting student needs over a decade ago.

“This year alone, the funding shortfall for NSW public schools amounts to $1.9 billion,” he said.

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