Teaching stocks low

CONTINUING Covid uncertainty has led to shortages in “crucial” casual relief teachers (CRT) in public schools.

Australian Education Union Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said CRT shortages had been reported statewide, with Covid to blame.

CRTs are used to replace teachers who are absent on leave or undertaking other duties or professional development opportunities.

“Covid-19 has put immense pressure on public school communities to cover staff absences, which in turn has led to limited CRT availability,” Ms Peace said.

“Moreover, many former CRTs are currently employed on longer-term contracts to deliver the tutoring program introduced by the state government to help students.”

Ms Peace said in pre-Covid times, schools would be able to book CRTs to cover teacher absences ahead of time.

“However, due to the unpredictable nature of Covid infections and requirements for close contacts to isolate, it has been difficult for principals to arrange adequate numbers of CRTs on short notice,” she said.

According to the Teacher Supply and Demand Report 2020 – the latest data available – in 2019 there were 5655 primary CRTs, and 3058 secondary CRTs employed.

Ms Peace said CRTs played a major role in the schooling community.

“There is no doubt that CRTs are incredibly crucial to school communities,” she said.

“They ensure that learning programs are not disrupted in the absence of teachers and staff members.

Ms Peace said the AEU was working with the Department of Education and Training to attract and retain more CRTs, as well as make it easier for schools to access them.

“This involves improving their work and pay conditions, providing opportunities for their professional development and devising improved booking systems,” she said.

An Education Department spokeswoman said: “We work closely with any schools facing workforce issues as a result of Covid-related staff shortages – through the usual CRT process, and through our launching our Job Opportunity Pool of retired or pre-service school staff.”

The Job Opportunity Pool includes teachers who are inactive or retired, education support staff, and staff with administrative experience. They may be placed in schools on a fixed-term basis to provide support and fill in for teachers who are absent due to Covid.