Teachers in regional, rural and remote NSW will have better employment benefits than ever before thanks to a complete overhaul of the incentive system in NSW public schools.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke MP said the NSW Government had listened to teachers and stakeholders to improve the already existing regional incentives for teachers to work in the bush.
“It is important that we support our teachers and encourage more to move and work in regional areas, and a fair and flexible incentive system helps make this possible,” Ms Cooke said.
“I want to thank our local schools and their teachers including Junee High School, Young High School, West Wyalong High School and Murrumburrah High School for being such passionate advocates in what our communities have to offer.
“Living in the bush is amazing and I want teachers to come out to the Cootamundra electorate and experience our small towns and villages that surpass any city living.
“The updated incentives will strengthen the supply of quality teachers in our region now and into the future.”
The NSW Government has committed $15 million to action initiatives immediately in response to the Incentives Review, including:
- Increasing the value of targeted recruitment bonuses from $10,000 to up to $20,000, making schools located in the hardest-to-staff parts of the State more attractive for prospective employees;
- Giving more employees the opportunity to experience regional NSW by doubling the number of Teach Rural scholarships to 120 per year, and expanding the investment in the Rural Experience Program to fund up to 50 places from 2022;
- Expanding eligibility so temporary teachers can receive incentives like the Rural Teacher Incentive, Retention Bonus, and Experienced Teacher Bonus, enabling a greater number of employees to be attracted to the regions; and,
- Working alongside the Teacher Housing Authority to upgrade, repair and build new accommodation for teachers in areas of high demand.
Principals, teachers, key education stakeholders and education experts will begin developing longer-term initiatives, including:
- The revamping and simplification of the transfer point system to reduce inequity, better communication on what is available for teachers in the regions, and allowing employees to work on a bespoke package which suits their individual circumstances;
- The creation of a more holistic approach to regional relocation which focuses on ‘families’ rather than just individuals; and,
- The establishment of a centralised team to oversee regional staffing.
The NSW Government also wants to see more teachers in training experience teaching in the bush.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, Sarah Mitchell, said while NSW already has the most comprehensive rural incentive in Australia, securing sustainable staffing levels across the state is vital to maintaining equity of opportunity for students.
“We will create a smarter, simplified transfer point system and an easier-to-understand benefits package for teachers, ranging from additional salary, better professional development opportunities, rent assistance and family support,” Ms Mitchel said.
“Regional NSW is an incredibly attractive place to live and work. I want to see more people experience teaching in regional NSW and I want to remove barriers for anyone wanting a teaching career in the bush.”
