Raising The Status Of The Teaching Profession In The Education State

Minister for Education James Merlino today presented the keynote speech at a national conference aimed at raising the profile of the teaching profession.

TransformED seeks to shape the education conversation and investigates ways to alter social attitudes towards teaching. In 2015, the conference addresses the question: How do we raise the status of the teaching profession?

TransformED is an annual conference organised by Teach For Australia (TFA). The not-for-profit organisation is committed to overcoming educational disadvantage by placing high-achieving individuals - known as Associates - into low socio-economic secondary schools to teach while simultaneously completing their initial teacher education.

The Victorian Government has supported the TFA program with $12.5 million in funding since its inception in 2010, with 226 Associates placed in 49 Victorian government schools. About 80 per cent of Associates employed in Australia since the inception of the program have been employed in Victorian government secondary schools.

The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria the Education State. The Government is focused on excellence in teaching and learning by providing schools with clear direction and priorities for student learning.

To attract and retain individuals entering the teaching profession, we will:

• investigate methods for attracting the highest-calibre candidates into the teaching profession and to government schools, especially in areas such as mathematics and science
• identify ways to further elevate the standing of teaching as a career
• investigate supports for early career teachers to assist their transition into their career.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“This Government values the commitment and work our teachers in supporting not only their students, but also the development of new teachers such as our Teach for Australia Associates.”

“We are committed to raising the status of the teaching profession, and attracting and retaining the best, high-quality professionals to Victorian government schools.”

“The recent Education State announcements are about giving our teachers and principals the support they need to support the learning of every single student.”