The Marshall Government has begun the process to recruit hundreds of new high school teachers as part of the move of Year 7 into high school in 2022.
The Year 7 move means around 800 additional teachers will be required in high schools, and around 500 fewer in primary teaching positions – it is expected that normal staff changes and voluntary movement of teachers to high school will address the reduction in primary teachers.
Overall, there are expected to be up to 1000 vacancies for ongoing high school teaching positions to fill before 2022, through additional roles and normal turnover across the state's education system – a figure that does not include the staffing requirements associated with the new schools set to open in the same year.
From today, permanent primary school teachers looking to make the move into secondary teaching can now apply, with the first of two phases of recruitment underway.
The first round of recruitment will see only permanent primary school teachers in South Australian government schools eligible to apply, with a second round taking place in 2021 that will be open to all qualified teachers.
The Education Department is seeking to fill around 20 per cent of high school roles through its first phase of recruitment, with successful teachers being supported to make the move with tailored professional learning.
Education Minister John Gardner said it was a fantastic time for highly skilled and motivated primary school educators to make their move.
"We are going to need hundreds of teachers to fill high school positions across South Australia when Year 7 moves into high school in 2022," said Minister Gardner.
"There has never been a better opportunity for people to join our teaching workforce, with the Year 7 move creating more teaching positions in our schools from 2022, as well as new government schools opening at the same time.
"We anticipate there will be strong interest statewide in these positions, so if you are a permanent primary teacher interested in moving to a secondary setting, I strongly encourage you to apply.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for our permanent primary school teachers to progress their career with full training and support from the Education Department.
"We are looking for teachers who are adaptable and willing to go the extra mile to ensure our high school students receive the best possible education and guidance for their future.
"This year, our teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure all of our students have access to high quality education and supporting them in the transition of Year 7 into high school will be no different.
"Our teaching workforce is one to be proud of and one that many aspiring teachers will be thrilled to be a part of.
"We know that interest in the Year 7 move is strong, with teachers from 22 schools attending a professional development day at Wirreanda Secondary School late last year, to hear firsthand about transitioning into teaching in a secondary environment.
"Our three high schools who are already piloting the Year 7 move are providing valuable insights that are helping to shape the system-wide roll out in 2022.
"South Australia remains the only jurisdiction in the country that still has Year 7 in primary school, and we are ensuring that our students are not left behind their counterparts in other states.
"We need our Year 7s to be taught by specialist teachers in the specialist settings offered in high school, as designed in the national curriculum, and that's why we are beginning this process early and providing tailored professional learning for successful teachers."
The Education Department is partnering with external recruitment partner Harrison McMillan to deliver an effective process that manages a higher volume of candidates in a short time frame. It will improve the experience for leaders as well as fully supporting teachers.
Applying for specific curriculum areas and preferred locations, primary teachers will use Harrison McMillan's online platform to build their application. Teachers will also have access to personal recruitment coaching and a hotline for application queries.
Applications for the first round of Year 7 to High School teaching opportunities will close on Wednesday 23 September. For more information visit the Department for Education website.
Recruitment for 2021 vacancies, which is already underway, is taking place separately using the regular recruitment process and more information can be found here.
