From the President - We're trusted, but the challenges haven't gone away
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 128 , 21 July 2023, page no.7
A recent report indicated that teaching is still one of the most trusted professions in Australia. In fact, it was the only non-medical profession to rank in the top five of the study, which was conducted during the height of the pandemic.
It may not feel like it at times, but our profession is highly valued. We, as teacher and school leader unionists, have earned this recognition through our relentless pursuit of excellence in imparting knowledge, shaping young minds, and fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment. The trust bestowed upon us by our communities is a precious asset that we must continue to cherish and uphold.
But while our profession is held in high regard, we cannot overlook the challenges we face.
Our curriculum plays a vital role in developing the minds of our students and preparing them for the challenges of the 21st Century. Together, we must ensure that our curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our diverse student population. To do that, we must have the time and resourcing to allow for discussion, collaboration, planning and preparation time, and time to adjust accordingly to really engage our students.
Every issue seemingly becomes a curriculum issue – vaping, car safety, mobile phone usage, swimming or any other thing that emerges in our daily lives. By adapting our curriculum to address these emerging issues, we empower our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of their lives.
Workload remains a pressing concern for our teachers and school leaders. You are doing an amazing job, but you cannot be held solely responsible for addressing every societal issue. Balancing multiple responsibilities, preparing lesson plans, assessing student work, and managing administrative tasks can be overwhelming.
Together, we must find ways to narrow down this workload burden. The National Schools Reform Review provides an opportunity to advocate for appropriate resourcing that can alleviate this burden. Reducing red tape and exploring solutions, such as increased support, can help create a conducive environment for teaching and learning. Let our teachers teach and let our leaders lead.
Appropriate and proper funding is essential for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of state schools and TAFE. It enables us to provide adequate resources, infrastructure, and support for both teachers and students. However, the current state of education funding requires our immediate attention. Insufficient resources and underinvestment can hinder our ability to deliver the education our students deserve. And with much of the private sector funded at 100 per cent of the schooling resource standard or above and our schools at 89 per cent, we have some urgent work to do in a very tight timeline.
We will continue to advocate for a comprehensive funding review that takes into account the evolving needs of our profession and the students we teach. This review should focus not only on financial considerations but also on the equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education.
TAFE continues to provide high quality vocational education and is perfectly positioned to help Australia rebuild and address serious skill shortages. But it urgently needs guaranteed funding to do so. Now, more than ever, Queenslanders need TAFE.
Our collective voice, unity, and advocacy can create a powerful force for change. By standing together, we can amplify our concerns, articulate our needs, and demand fair and adequate funding for education. Our Union’s strength lies in its ability to mobilise, engage in collective action, and shape policies that prioritise the wellbeing of both teachers and students.
Collectivism is not just about coming together in times of need; it is about fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and shared responsibility within our profession. By collaborating with colleagues, sharing best practices, and learning from one another, we can collectively elevate the standard of education.