Even more teachers will now have access to incentives and pay bonuses, with the NSW Government expanding its Rural and Remote Incentives Reform program.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell today announced $8 million of the initial $15 million incentives package will be used to extend the existing program to include temporary teachers and double the bonuses for teachers taking up a job in regional NSW.
Mr Toole said the Liberals and Nationals Government is transforming the way teachers are incentivized in regional areas, ensuring all staff are provided with the flexibility and financial support they need.
"Making the decision to leave home and take up a teaching job in an unfamiliar town, often away from family and friends, isn't easy. That's why we're expanding the most generous incentive system in the country, giving temporary teachers support including an additional salary of up to $30,000, as well travel, living and housing incentives," Mr Toole said.
"We want all teachers to feel comfortable to expand their horizons and consider relocating to the bush and we know once they get there, they won't look back."
Ms Mitchell said the additional access to incentives for temporary teachers are crucial to encouraging more teachers to work in regional NSW.
"Temporary staff are vital to our system - they provide flexibility to schools and staff and it's important we support them in the same way we support other staff in rural and remote areas," Ms Mitchell said.
"We will also double the teacher recruitment funding from $10,000 to $20,000, giving eligible teachers an additional $20,000 on top of their teaching salaries to teach in the regions.
"We have the most generous incentive system in Australia, however over time it has grown in complexity. This is the first time we have inspected all aspects of the system to make it fair and flexible, allowing teachers to create a package that works best for them and their circumstances."
The Rural and Remote Incentives Review included recommendations that support the existing commitments to regional NSW under the Rural and Remote Education Strategy.
The NSW Government commitments made to regional schools include improved access to technology infrastructure, increased access to early childhood education and a focus on strengthening leadership development programs for teachers will enable community growth and equity of opportunity across NSW.
The NSW Government has funded a $125 million Teacher Supply Strategy that is focused on ensuring the right teachers, with the right qualifications are working in places students need them. The full strategy can be seen here: https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/strategies-and-reports/teacher-supply-strategy
