Victoria’s education system is facing a crisis with a shortage of teachers leading to burnout and vacancies. Despite a report recommending a trial of a four-day work week for teachers, both Premier Jacinta Allan and the opposition have rejected the idea.
Only 30% of teachers reach retirement, as revealed by a Monash University survey of 8000 Australian Education Union members. The state’s job vacancy rate has climbed to 2500, causing significant strain on educators.
A trial of a four-day work week, pay rises, and reduced class sizes are among the recommendations from Monash University to address the teacher shortage. However, concerns exist about maintaining educational standards with a shortened work week.
Despite potential solutions, the government and opposition maintain that they are not interested in implementing a four-day work week for teachers. The education system in Victoria continues to face significant challenges, with relief teachers costing the state millions of dollars and vacancies projected to increase in the coming years.