Teacher workforce
Trung LUU (Western Metropolitan) (17:52): (697) My matter is for the Minister for Education regarding the teacher shortage in Victoria, especially commencing in term one this month. The actions I seek are to ask the minister what has been done to address the problem and for the government to release the delayed Victorian Teacher Supply and Demand Report. The annual teacher supply and demand reports are usually finalised and released in October of each year; however, the government has failed to publish the 2022–23 report. Principals say that these reports are critical in planning and in providing an actual image of staffing and recruitment data about teachers, principals and supporting staff. The data analyses workforce trends and forward projections covering a five-year time frame, allowing school management to actually plan for potential teacher workforce issues. The withholding of the delayed report means educators in Victoria are being kept in the dark on the actual extent of the crisis and parents are being left to wonder if their child’s class will have a permanent teacher.
The lack of consistent teachers in the classroom has many adverse effects on students. Consistency is essential and vital for student learning. Consistency is the way concepts are taught. Consistency in teacher expectations is the way students are rewarded for behaviour and success. A permanent teacher always fosters a connection with their students and helps them to feel relaxed and comfortable and increases classroom participation and engagement. Increased participation at school has been shown to have better outcomes for academic success and overall enjoyment of students at school. So I ask again: could the minister please release the delayed teacher supply and demand report and address the issues relating to teacher shortages.