WAYS TO FIX THE SYSTEM - FROM ONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE

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(1) Teacher training numbers should be seriously curtailed to the numbers that are required plus a fudge factor of about 15% to account for those who may drop out.

(2) Permanent teachers who are intending to resign should give 12 months notice if possible.

(3) Schools should advise the government 9 months before the end of the graduating year as to how many positions are required at their school.

(4) Placements should be awarded to graduating teachers at least 6 months out from Graduation.

(5) Placement locations should be based on merit.

Sue of Brisbane, Reader's Comment 22 of 25, Millions wasted training teachers, Justine Ferrari, The Australian, 25 March 2013 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/education/millions-wasted-training-teachers/story-fn59nlz9-1226605045315 Historical link preserved from the original page.

It's positively dishonest to sell degrees in education, knowing full well they're useless.

I've taught maths, science, engineering and English at tertiary level.

I have significant qualifications and long experience across the board.

Ten years ago, I started teacher training at Uni - in maths, where I was told the shortage was greatest.

I got top marks.

Half-way through the course, though, I learned that there were absolutely NO teaching jobs anywhere in my area (Hunter Region, NSW).

EVERY job was reserved for Sydney teachers with Union seniority keen to move out of the Big Smoke.

The waiting list was 8 years.

I was told that, if I sold the house, uprooted the family, moved to Cobar and taught there for at least three years, I could knock 3 years off the wait to be eligible for permanent employment.

Yeah. Right.

Teaching may be a great career, but it belongs to the Union 'haves', who get first chance at all opportunities, and can't be fired no matter what.

It's positively dishonest to sell degrees in teaching, knowing full well they're useless.

If we're just not willing to hire the best and brightest to teach, regardless of 'Union seniority', we can forget about improving education.

End of story!

Editor's Comment: I don't think teacher transfers are really a union issue.

I think the experienced teachers have done their time in the less attractive 'disadvantaged' areas and so the NSW Department of Education gives them priority for transfer to the more attractive areas.

It needs to be made really clear to prospective education students that they can't expect to be given a job at a school just down the road.

Teachers must be willing to work wherever they are sent in the state.

That's the job.

You can't expect older teachers at your local school to be fired just because you want their job.

And education lecturers create problems when they convince new education graduates that older teachers can't teach properly and they they, the new graduates, know the new 'right' way to teach.

They are responsible for the disrespect that is often shown to experienced teachers.