In the past decade, we have seen the number of young people studying teaching decline by 12 per cent, while there has also been an increased in the number of early career and experienced teachers leaving the profession. In my conversations with principals and system leaders, the teacher shortage is a real and difficult challenge to address.
As I mentioned in my last message the National Catholic Education Commission has been actively involved in the consultation and development of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan which is looking at five priority areas:
- Improving teacher supply
- Strengthening initial teacher education
- Keeping the teachers we have
- Elevating the profession
- Better understanding future teacher workforce needs
As part of this work, the 2023 Report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel recognised the critical need for collaborative partnerships between initial teacher education (ITE) providers, schools and school systems to set early career teachers up for success.
Across our Catholic schools and systems, there are a growing number of initiatives fostering strong partnerships between our Catholic universities to strength practicum experiences and provide ongoing support for teachers throughout their career.
Earlier this month, I was invited to attend the Australian Council of Deans of Education (ACDE) conference and participate in a ‘World Café’ session on responding to the teacher shortage.
Along with colleagues from state and territory departments of education and teacher registration boards, I led a small group discussion on ways to address the teacher shortage including strategies for the attraction, retention, training and ongoing professional support of teachers.
It was a valuable initiative by ACDE to bring together those from the tertiary and school sectors, as well as regulatory bodies.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare MP addressed the conference highlighting the recently launched Professional Experience Guidelines to ensure ITE students receive quality professional classroom experience before graduating.
The guidelines, developed by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), outline what makes high-quality professional experience, how ITE providers and learning environments can build partnerships, and culturally responsive practices. They are also designed to help improve consistency, and reduce administrative burden for ITE providers, schools and systems, as well as early childhood settings and regulatory bodies.
I encourage you to read the guidelines via AITSL’s website.
Jacinta Collins
National Catholic education executive director