Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has gone into bat for local teachers who are under pressure from increasing behaviour management, workplace safety and disability program expectations.
Mr Bennett said he’s had repeated calls from the Teachers Union and State School principals who say they simply can’t keep up.
“Behaviour management, school safety and accessibility are of the utmost importance for our teachers but when does it all become too much?” said Mr Bennett.
“Our educators have one of the most important roles in our society, teaching our children, but too often they’re tied up in issues outside the classroom.
“Their workload is increasing but they’re seeing no support to match it.
“We know the number of new teachers and teacher aides starting at Queensland schools is barely bridging the gap left by the thousands who are deserting classrooms.
“The veteran teachers who remain need support today.
“I’m asking the minister to hear our calls for an additional FTE Head of Department leadership layer in State Schools to manage this workload.
“I look forward to working with Minister Grace on this issue and hope we can find a solution soon.”
Mr Bennett tabled the below Question on Notice to the Minister for Education:
| Question from: Stephen Bennett, Member for Burnett |
| Question to: Hon. Grace Grace MP, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing |
| Question: Queensland schools, when managing students with a disability, are required to work to establish personalised plans within the four levels of disability identified under the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD). Given the significant workload on teachers and School Principals to manage this, will the Minister fund an additional FTE Head of Department leadership layer in State Schools to manage this workload, as well as behaviour management and work place safety issues? |
The Minister has 30 days to respond to Mr Bennett’s Question on Notice.
ENDS.
27/10/2023