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Australian Education Union survey finds Victorian schools are running classes without teachers

Teachers are combining classes, cancelling specialist programs and having their leave refused to cope with crippling staff shortages in Victorian schools, a new survey finds.

An Australian Education Union survey found Victorian teachers had no option but to combine classes to cope with crippling staff shortages.
An Australian Education Union survey found Victorian teachers had no option but to combine classes to cope with crippling staff shortages.

Victorian schools are grappling with staff shortages, with some classes running without teachers, a new survey has revealed.

The research by the Australian Education Union showed almost 60 per cent of teaching staff reported that shortages had caused an increase in grade splitting or combining classes.

More than 40 per cent of respondents said shortages had led to increased class sizes this year, while 35 per cent claimed that the crisis had caused their school to run classes without a teacher.

The report, which surveyed 598 Victorian education staff, also showed a third of teachers were forced to take additional classes, while 38 per cent of schools had to cancel subjects due to shortages.

More than two in ten staff were refused leave this year.

Berwick Lodge Primary School principal Henry Grossek said teacher shortages were causing “frustration” and “stress” among pupils and staff.

“We have a limited number of people applying for teaching and education support positions,” Mr Grossek said.

Teachers revealed they had to combine classes or cancel subjects to cope.
Teachers revealed they had to combine classes or cancel subjects to cope.

“In some cases, we’re making appointments but then another school offers the applicant a better deal and we miss out.

“We’re also rarely able to get enough CRT teachers and we’ve had to do some grade splitting and have cancelled some specialist programs.

“It seems to be an issue across other industries and professions, this will continue for some time, it’s very concerning.”

Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said the survey was a “stark reminder” that shortages were not just affecting staff, but also students and their experiences within the classroom.

“No child should have their education compromised due to factors in the school and classroom that they cannot control,” she said.

AEUV said the survey results were a stark reminder kids were missing out.
AEUV said the survey results were a stark reminder kids were missing out.

Ms Peace said although the state government had taken some steps to address the shortages, the data showed students were still “missing out on educational opportunities”.

She urged the Premier to bring in retention payment for existing staff and paid placements for student teachers.

The Herald Sun last month revealed Victorian school vacancies had surged to almost 3100, three times higher than the beginning of term one.

A Department of Education spokesman said the number of teachers in Victoria has grown at twice the national average.

“We’re delivering a range of initiatives that have grown our workforce by 5000 extra teachers between 2020 and 2022 and keeping the vast majority of our schools fully staffed,” he said.

“Victoria is home to some of the most talented teachers and school leaders in the country and we’re backing even more inspired educators with nation-leading investments in free teaching degrees – making sure our kids get a world class education.

“We are actively supporting government schools to address any workforce shortages, with schools now actively engaged in recruitment for the 2024 school year.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/victoria-education/australian-education-union-survey-finds-victorian-schools-are-running-classes-without-teachers/news-story/b2d79633ce7a5c187f2dd3633b633dc1