The NSW Government says teacher vacancy numbers in the state’s public schools have fallen to a three-year low, with 24% fewer vacancies at the start of Term 3 compared with the same time last year.
It follows a 20% drop in teacher vacancies at the start of this year compared with the previous year, indicating a firm downward trend, said Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car (pictured with students in Parliament recently).
“Labor was elected to rebuild essential services after a decade of neglect under the former Liberal National government, and while we still have much to do to turn around the teacher shortage, we have seen a sustained drop in vacancies since the start of this year,” said Minister Car.
“These further improved figures show the steps we are taking to address the teacher shortage crisis, ignored by the former Liberal National government, are making a difference.
“The drop in resignations and retirements shows teachers are hearing that we value their work and are supporting them to focus on delivering quality teaching and learning.”
She said the numbers also reflect the success of the Government’s election commitment to provide permanent roles to the state’s more than 16,000 temporary teachers and support staff.
Permanent teachers now make up 72% of the teaching workforce, up from 64% in 2022.
“Having a qualified teacher at the front of every classroom is vital to delivering improved academic outcomes for our students,” said Minister Car.
