The NSW government says teachers and students at schools across regional NSW will benefit from a complete overhaul of how the government attracts and retains teachers in the bush.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the state government commissioned the Review of Rural and Remote Incentives in NSW Public Schools, which focused on improving the benefits for regional teachers by ensuring they are fair and flexible.
“We are already investing record amounts in school infrastructure and technology in regional parts of the state, so it’s time our incentives program is upgraded to attract top quality teachers to the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“At the heart of these investments are our regional kids who deserve the best teachers and best education no matter where they live.”
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said she commissioned the review in response to conversations and feedback from teachers working in regional, rural and remote areas.
“The government is accepting all recommendations put forward by the review, and we will immediately begin implementing reforms to attract and retain teachers in regional NSW,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We have the most generous incentive system in Australia, however, over time it has grown in complexity. This is the first time we have inspected all aspects of the system to make it fair and flexible, allowing teachers to create a package that works best for them and their circumstances.
“We will create a smarter transfer point system and an easier-to-understand benefits package for teachers, ranging from additional salary, better professional development opportunities, rent assistance and family support.”
In response to the review, the NSW government has promised $15 million to action initiatives immediately.
Among the initiatives is increasing the value of targeted recruitment bonuses from $10,000 to up to $20,000, which the government says will make schools located in the hardest-to-staff parts of the state more attractive for prospective employees.
The government says it will also give more employees the opportunity to experience regional NSW by doubling the number of teach.Rural scholarships to 120 per year, and expanding the investment in the Rural Experience Program to fund up to 50 places from 2022.
Eligibility will be expanded so temporary teachers can receive incentives like the Rural Teacher Incentive, Retention Bonus, and Experienced Teacher Bonus, enabling a greater number of employees to be attracted to the regions.
The NSW government will also work alongside the Teacher Housing Authority NSW to upgrade, repair and build new accommodation for teachers in areas of high demand.
Principals, teachers, key education stakeholders and experts will be consulted with and help co-design longer-term initiatives.
This includes the revamping and simplification of the transfer point system to reduce inequity, better communication on what is available for teachers in the regions, and allowing employees to work on a bespoke package which suits their individual circumstances.
A more holistic approach to regional relocation will be created to focus on ‘families’ rather than just individuals, the government says.
A centralised team will be established to oversee regional staffing.
Ms Mitchell, who calls Gunnedah home, said regional NSW is an incredibly attractive place to live and work.
“I want to see more people experience teaching in regional NSW and I want to remove barriers for anyone wanting a teaching career in the bush,” she said.
The review recommendations support the initiatives included in the Teacher Supply Strategy which is due for release later this year.
See more education news:
- Play Music on the Porch Day at Narrabri High
- Wee Waa students master new skills in apprenticeship and trainee roles
- Industrial arts classroom damaged in school blaze
