Fewer teachers are staying the course
THE Far North is experiencing a teacher shortage so severe that students undertaking their final placement are receiving multiple job offers before graduating.
Rural and remote communities traditionally struggle to attract and retain teachers because students move away for university and then tend to stay away, creating a teacher shortage in the Far North.
Recent Central Queensland University graduate Brooke Byars has made the major life decision to swap the business world for a teaching position at Woree State High School.
The career swap and move to Cairns has allowed Ms Byars to enjoy a better work/ life balance, resulting in an active lifestyle.
“I’m so happy with the decision I’ve made and now my husband jokes he’s going to become a teacher,” Ms Byars said.
In her final placement Ms Byars was offered multiple jobs in Cairns, including permanent and contract positions.
“That was when Covid was really ramping up and I’m now in an industry where I’ll have lifetime employment,” Ms Byars said.
President of Queensland Teachers Union Cresta Richardson said they were currently working with the state government to fill the gap.
“We are working with the department about the future of teaching, working out where the gaps are and how to fill them,” she said.
Catholic Education Services acting executive director Ian Davis said that schools across the diocese were also experiencing the same issue. “But this is a trend across the government and non-government education sectors and reflects a national shortage of teachers,” he said.
Universities are rolling out new programs to cater for the demand.
Associate Dean at James Cook University Louisa Tomas Engle said a new program aimed at tradies would be offered next year.
“We are looking for prospective students with a relevant trade qualification plus a minimum of three years recent industry experience,” Ms Tomas Engle said. Head of Secondary School Teaching from CQU Dr Miriam Ham said teaching was a rewarding secure career.
“If you’re genuinely interested in teaching, you are guaranteed a teaching job, no matter if there is a pandemic or economic fluctuations happening, you will have a job,” Dr Ham said.
The state government has committed $19.8m to fund the Turn to Teaching program which will allow aspiring teachers to undertake a paid internship while completing their studies.