Education Department takes drastic step to get teachers in rural classrooms
Education Department staff who are still registered as teachers, but aren’t currently working in the profession, are being offered expenses-paid stays in regional and rural parts of the state.
The Rumour File first heard about the drastic measure on May 20.
It comes as part of a desperate push to fill casual relief shifts at schools hit by COVID-19 and influenza-related staff shortages.
For teachers willing to travel and fill relief shifts, travel, accommodation and meals costs will be covered by the Education Department.
President of the Victorian Association of State Secondary Principals, Colin Axup, says it’s “certainly more difficult to get replacement teachers in regional Victoria”.
He says the Education Department’s approach “signifies that the department understands the serious nature of what’s occurring”.
“I think it’s a fair response to the circumstances we find ourselves in,” he told Ross and Russel.
Press PLAY below to hear more about the bid to get casual relief teachers in rural and regional Victoria