NSW Teachers Federation members at Grafton High School have walked off the job today over significant staffing problems at their school made worse by a state-wide shortage of teachers.
NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra said teachers were angry that the NSW Government had failed to properly staff Grafton High School and many other schools across the state.
"The impact at Grafton High has been large numbers of classes which have been left without a teacher for many months this year. Over the past six weeks 160 teaching periods have been left uncovered at the school."
"Grafton High School has been unable to employ casual teachers to cover classes for colleagues who are on leave."
"Over the past decade the NSW Government and the Education Department have weakened previously successful processes that ensured adequate staffing of all schools across the state."
"The NSW Government has let down students, parents and the wider community by failing to provide teachers for every student and every class."
"It is a fundamental right of every student to be able to attend a public school and be taught by an appropriately qualified teacher."
"The Education Department have known of the dire teacher shortage for some time but failed to address the problem. It is grossly unfair for students, and in many cases, those with the most complex learning needs."
"The recommendations of Valuing the teaching profession - an independent inquiry called for a reset of staffing and resourcing of the state's schools and we are calling on the NSW Government and the Education Department to urgently get on with the job."
