INVESTING IN TEACHING IS KEY TO KIDS’ FUTURE

THERE is a teacher shortage in the Far North and it’s offering those entering the profession and those already in it good opportunities along with job security. Places such as Cairns have historically struggled to keep teaching students and then attract them back but it appears the problem is nationwide forcing the state government and universities to think outside the square.

The state government’s $19.8m Turn to Teaching Program and JCU’s appeal to tradies to make a career switch are examples of this.

Along with tourism and other businesses the education system has had to “pivot” as workers reassess their lives through Covid.

Teachers are essential in society and while an important part of a community’s fabric aren’t always treated with enough respect.

The flip side of having a largely secure job is there is enormous pressure. After all we’re talking about mentoring and skilling our precious babies and leaders of the future.

The amount of holidays may be great but the hours of those committed to teaching are far longer than 9am-3pm. It’s a passion not a job.

The pressure from both parents and children with behavioural problems can eventually take their toll.

Teacher movements in the Far North is high as schools try to plug the holes. Some casual staff are receiving multiple calls a day to fill in at different schools while teachers are being pulled from their classrooms for terms at a time to fill senior acting roles.

All of this can be disruptive and upsetting to students.

Education and access to it, outside of a safe and loving home life, is possibly the most important thing we can do for a child. Key to achieving this is investing in educating and supporting our teachers. Jennifer Spilsbury Editor