Zoe Moffatt
The Australian Education Union (AEU) has called for greater investment into teaching, amid a new government campaign to attract people to the profession and new data showing teacher shortages are particularly acute in Melbourne’s west.
According to November 9 data from the Department of Education, Melbourne’s north west is home to some of Victoria’s highest teacher vacancy rates.
This includes 162 vacancies in Wyndham, 135 in Hume, 93 in Melton, 63 in Brimbank, 57 in Whittlesea and 39 in Hobsons Bay.
These figures come off the back of a joint state and federal recruitment ‘Be That Teacher’ campaign which has rolled out across TV, digital and social media, outdoor and cinema advertising.
It showcases the value and importance of teachers through an online gallery showcasing inspirational and personal stories about the lasting impact teachers have on students.
AEU Victorian branch president Meredith Peace said they welcome the efforts but the advertising campaign alone will not address the teacher shortage crisis in Victoria.
“There are currently more than 580 job vacancies in schools across the Brimbank, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham council regions, with 200 vacant roles in the Wyndham council area alone,” she said.
“These local government areas are among the fastest growing regions in Victoria, and it is extremely concerning that so many schools are unable to find the qualified teachers they need.
“It’s clear that more must be done to ensure that these schools are adequately staffed to provide the best possible educational outcomes for students in such a major growth corridor. ”
Ms Peace said the AEU is calling for urgent action, including paid placements to support students studying to become teachers.
“We call upon Premier Jacinta Allan to take urgent action to address workforce shortages,” she said.
“Starting with the introduction of a teacher retention payment to keep hard working and dedicated public school teachers in Victorian classrooms.”
A Department of Education spokesperson said the number of teachers in Victoria has grown at twice the national average.
“Vacancies often peak in term four as schools advertise for roles commencing in the next school year,” the spokesperson said.
“We are actively supporting government schools to address any workforce shortages – including in Melbourne’s western suburbs.”
