Wodonga Senior Secondary College: ‘Severe’ teacher shortages in country town

Victoria’s Education Union says shortages in teachers in country schools could significantly impact education outcomes and the development of staff.

Victoria’s Education Union says shortages in teachers in country schools could significantly impact education outcomes and the development of staff.

Union president Meredith Peace said teachers were choosing to work in the city, rather than the country.

It comes after a school principal near the Victorian border told Albury Wodonga News a severe shortage in teachers was causing education to suffer.

Ms Peace said it was a “concern” schools were struggling to find both casual relief teachers and permanent teaching positions.

“If schools can’t get any teachers, or if teachers are teaching outside their area of expertise, then it can have an impact on what curriculum a school can offer,” she said.

Ms Peace said the shortages were also affecting the development of teachers.

“For country schools, staff may not be able to attend professional development if replacements can‘t be employed,” she said.

Ms Peace added: “Traditionally, teachers would apply for a job with Education Victoria and they would allocate a school for them, whereas now teachers can apply directly at the schools they’d like to teach at.

“It’s easier for people living in Melbourne, if that’s where their families are, to stay in if they can get a job.

“We need to ensure we have enough teachers to get our students the education they deserve.

“We want every child, regardless of where they go to school, to have the same opportunities.”

Wodonga Senior Secondary College and Junior College principal Vern Hilditch said teachers were choosing to work in Melbourne instead of his border community.

In terms of the vaccine mandate expected to stand down thousands of teachers across the state, Mr Hilditch said he was “not expecting” to have any issues with his own staff but said principals were not involved in the process of terminating staff.

“For confidentiality reasons, (termination) was done in direct contact between the individuals concerned and the HR departments,” he said.

“It has certainly been fairly difficult (to find teachers), and in terms of having reserve teachers they are basically non-existent.

“We are suffering. There is no doubt that regional and rural schools are doing it tough.

“There's probably never been a better job if you’re a registered teacher and meet the department’s requirements.”

Mr Hilditch said the shortages were being felt statewide with graduates from Melbourne not moving to start their careers.

“If there are more vacancies occurring where teachers live, such as Melbourne, they’re going to take them. Generally, that’s easiest thing to do,” he said.

Indie School Principal Rodney Wangman OAM said his school would not be impacted due to their impeccable teacher vaccination rates.

“Indie Schools have achieved 100 per cent teaching and support staff vaccination status,“ Mr Wangman said.

“Feedback from our staff, students, families and representative union has been strongly supportive of this approach towards safe and healthy school environments.”

Originally published as Wodonga Senior Secondary College: ‘Severe’ teacher shortages in country town