Big batch of new teachers due next year

The State Government says it is on the path to fulfilling a pledge to increase teacher numbers in state schools — and says more are on the way.

Minister for Education Jeremy Rockliff says recruitment of another 113 teachers for Tasmanian public schools is reason to celebrate. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

THE recruitment of another 113 teachers for Tasmanian public schools was a “day for celebration”, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.

Announcing the new teachers — who will start in Term 1 next year — and an advertising campaign to find more, Mr Rockliff said the influx would boost education in regional and hard-to-staff schools.

The Government says it has invested record amounts into the state’s education system and is on the way to employing 358 more teachers in public schools over six years.

“We will always work hard to attract and recruit the best and the brightest to come and teach in Tasmania,” Mr Rockliff said.

“As part of this commitment, a further 113 teachers have been offered permanent employment this month to commence Term 1, 2020.

“There has been an exceptional response to the latest teacher recruitment drive, with a large number of high-quality applications outlining a diverse range of skills, experience and specialisations.”

The minister said 69 teachers were employed from the beginning of 2019.

According to figures published in Department of Education annual reports, the number of teachers in Tasmanian schools has increased by 494 over the last five years.

The average increase in teacher numbers in each of the last five financial years has been 123 teachers, filling the equivalent of 112 full-time jobs.

The highest increase in teacher numbers in recent years was 158 teachers, filling 122 full-time equivalent roles between 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Mr Rockliff said the Government would continue its efforts to hire more staff for the education system

“To further support teacher recruitment, the Teach Tasmania campaign has been launched as part of our commitment to a great public education system in Tasmania,” he said.