Academics, high-performing professionals and subject matter experts will have an accelerated pathway into a teaching career thanks to a radical overhaul of how mid-career entrants to teaching are hired.
Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said this is an innovative opportunity for professionals looking for a career change into the rewarding and secure teaching profession.
“This is a great opportunity made possible by the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government to create opportunities for passionate and talented people in the Goulburn to become teachers,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“We are getting rid of the unnecessary barriers to entry because we have incredible teachers in the Goulburn electorate and in the rest of NSW. We are now providing opportunities for people outside of the profession to become successful teachers.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said NSW has the highest standards in the country when it comes to who can become a teacher.
“This reform keeps these standards in place, whilst recognising that prior experience and expertise in key learning areas should be acknowledge,” Ms Mitchell said.
“We know that by being flexible in providing people with tailored education and training programs based on their personal circumstances, we will attract more people to the teaching profession. This will ensure our students receive quality teaching and we continue to build a safer and stronger NSW.”
The reform will focus on four key features: removing barriers to entry to the profession, bringing people into the classroom faster, and supporting transition from another career into teaching, and incentivising the transition to teaching.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the new approach was in line with recommendations in the NSW Productivity Commission’s White Paper, which found that teacher quality can boost the state’s productivity.
“We’re always looking for a better way of working to give our kids a brighter future and ultimately, the whole state benefits from that,” Mr Perrottet said.
Consultation with stakeholders will inform the delivery of these critical reforms.
WENDY TUCKERMAN 