NSW Government Reduces Permanent Teacher Vacancies by 61 Per Cent

Strategic Insights -

The Minns Labor Government in New South Wales has made significant progress in addressing the teacher shortage crisis by slashing the number of permanent teacher vacancies by 61 per cent. According to new data released on Public Education Week, permanent teacher vacancies have decreased to 962, down from 2,460 in 2022. This reduction has brought the number of permanent teacher vacancies to the lowest level in four years.

The Minister for Education and Early Learning, Chris Minns, praised the progress made, stating that the reduction in vacancies is a step in the right direction. He emphasized that fewer vacancies mean more consistency for students and less strain on schools. The Acting Minister, Courtney Houssos, attributed the success to the Minns Labor Government's decision to scrap the unfair wages cap that held teacher salaries back for over a decade.

The Priority Recruitment Support initiative has been expanded to over 150 schools, with three quarters being in regional and rural areas. Every NSW public school principal now has a dedicated Recruitment Officer to support them in managing all recruitment in the school. Over the past 12 months, 6,398 permanent teachers have been appointed, while resignation and retirement rates have declined, indicating better retention and a stabilizing workforce.

Key Takeaways:

  • Permanent teacher vacancies have decreased to 962, down from 2,460 in 2022, a 61 per cent reduction.
  • The reduction in vacancies has brought the number of permanent teacher vacancies to the lowest level in four years.
  • The Priority Recruitment Support initiative has been expanded to over 150 schools, with three quarters being in regional and rural areas.
  • Every NSW public school principal now has a dedicated Recruitment Officer to support them in managing all recruitment in the school.
  • Over the past 12 months, 6,398 permanent teachers have been appointed, while resignation and retirement rates have declined.
  • The contingent of permanent teacher vacancies have been slashed from 4,275 to less than 1,000 vacancies.
  • In contrast, the record 3,311 vacancies under the former Liberal National Government in late 2022 led to widespread class cancellations and merged lessons.

Statistics:

  • 61 per cent reduction in permanent teacher vacancies.
  • 962 permanent teacher vacancies as of Term 3.
  • 3,311 permanent teacher vacancies in late 2022.
  • 2,200 public schools in NSW (See reference 1).
  • 12,398 permanent teachers appointed over the past year, including 6,398 of those being full-time.
  • 79 to over 150 schools expansion of the Priority Recruitment Support initiative (see reference 2).

Sources:

1. Government of New South Wales - Media Release - 11, 2023.

2. Government of New South Wales - Media Release - 2023.

3. Department of Education NSW - Public Education Week - 2023.