Community discussion encouraged
One of the core reasons for establishing a review into the public education system (led by former WA Premier and one-time federal education minister Dr Carmen Lawrence) was to encourage community debate about public education.
For too long we have seen public education ignored as an election issue at both state and federal level, even though it consistently rates as one of the topics the community is most concerned about.
Funding, teacher shortages, workload, violence in schools, mental well-being of both staff and pupils, plus the impact that Covid has had on exacerbating these pre-pandemic problems, are all in need of sensible solutions.
The SSTUWA is working actively through the media to raise these issues for public discussion.
We need a full and wide-ranging debate on the state of public education. With two-thirds of students educated in the public sector there are millions of Western Australians who want to see their children get the best possible schooling. We need to rally that support behind us.
By Matt Jarman
President
Our message is that students don’t just need a teacher, they need the right teacher – one who is fully trained, is an expert in any specialist subject they teach and one who has the right support around them.
This goes for school leaders too – they need to be ready for the role and to have the support and backing they need.
There are, of course, many other positions in our schools which need to be filled by the right, properly qualified, teacher.
The SSTUWA knows full well that many teachers will be lacking in the necessary experience and support.
It has been extremely difficult for schools to recruit and we are losing far too many experienced teachers and leaders.
Through the media we have asked parents to be supportive and patient as new teachers settle in and to be respectful to every teacher and school leader, reminding them that a parent’s example is what sets the standards for students.
As you will see on page six we are taking our public education review team across WA to seek out submissions from members, the community and other stakeholders. Please encourage your colleagues (yes, even non-members) and broader school community to make their views known.
If you see issues arising around class sizes, DOTT or staff getting into difficulties, please let your rep know.
If you need additional support or are at a school without a rep then contact Member Assist on 9210 6000 or 1800 199 073.
If you are new to teaching I urge you to consider joining our New Educator Network. Peer support is crucial in your early years and we want you to stay in teaching, so seek support and advice when you need it. Find out more at sstuwa.org.au/new-educators
We have a diverse membership. While we will not always exactly share the same views on every issue, what we do all agree on is the vital role of public education and how important it is to protect and nourish the sector. Our strength in that fight comes from you – our members.
We all know that if School of Isolated and Distance Education (SIDE) subject-specific enrolments are rocketing from 2,000 to 6,000 then there are serious gaps emerging in education delivery.
Honest debate and long-term cooperative solutions are needed, not one-off short-term attempted fixes.
