The Australian and Queensland Governments are co-funding a $1.88 million pilot program in Queensland state schools to reduce teacher workloads.
The program is employing 11 specialist staff to support teachers and principals across 33 schools.
The new staff will manage workplace health, safety and wellbeing administrative workloads, taking the load off teachers and enhancing the delivery of this important work.
Minister for Education Mr Jason Clare described the idea that teachers clock on at 9am and knock off at 3pm as “rubbish”.
“That’s why the Albanese Government is investing $30 million in the Teacher Workload Reduction fund so they can spend less time doing admin and more time in the classroom.”
Commonwealth funding, under the Workload Reduction Fund, will be matched with equal co-investment from the Miles Government to implement the pilot.
Schools have identified workplace health, safety and wellbeing as areas contributing to increasing workload.
At the end of this year, participating schools will assess whether having dedicated staff in schools to undertake these tasks has reduced administrative burden.
The pilot has been co-designed with key education stakeholders, including principal associations and unions.
It is part of Action 12 of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, which was agreed to by Education Ministers in December 2022.
The 33 state schools involved in the pilot include secondary, primary and special schools, across Queensland.
The selection process included a cross-section of schools, including those with large and diverse facilities, smaller schools, and schools with a health and safety advisor in a teaching or principal role.
Tingalpa State School is one of the 33 pilot schools for the Teacher Workload Reduction Fund.
“The specialist staff member has been working with our teachers and school leaders to help reduce administrative workload and improve wellbeing,” Principal Ms Donna O’Keeffe said.
Queensland Minister for Education Ms Di Farmer said the project aims to reduce the administrative burden many teachers and principals face in their day-to-day work.
“Our teachers are highly valued and highly trained in the art of teaching, and we want to make sure they spend more time focused on educating students in the classroom.
“This pilot will see what impact having specially trained support staff, working alongside teachers and principals, has on freeing them up to spend more time teaching.
“The safety and wellbeing of our education staff and students is a priority. Investing in expert support like this new pilot program for our teachers and principals will enhance the management of risks, improving safety and support for the school community.”
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