More permanent jobs for temporary teachers

The State Government is to halve the number of temporary teachers in Western Australia as part of plan to improve teacher working conditions.

Education Minister Kay Hallahan said the commitment to provide permanent jobs to 1,500 temporary teachers within three years was a key initiative in the 'Foundations for the Future' education and training blueprint launched today.

She said Western Australia's 20,000 strong teaching workforce would be major beneficiaries of the $165 million plan.

'Foundations for the Future' offered teachers new promotion opportunities and flexible working conditions.

"A well-trained, quality teaching workforce is essential if young Western Australians are to get the most out of their years of schooling," she said.

Under the plan, the Government will:

·         pay a $1,200 annual bonus to teachers with special skills, benefiting 8,000 teachers within five years;

·         establish a quality of teaching council to boost the standards of teacher education and performance in WA schools;

·         give $10,000 scholarships to the cream of the teaching workforce;

·         step up job-sharing schemes so teachers can become part-time;

·         introduce a scheme to give teachers a year of paid leave for study, rest or rejuvenation;

·         expand incentives for teachers in regional or remote postings; and -

·         place teachers in industry for professional development.

Mrs Hallahan said the State's excellent record in most areas of education was largely due to the commitment of teachers.

"The Government has recognised the importance of teachers in our community with this new package, as well as a multi-million dollar agreement which will boost the salaries of many teachers by nearly $20 a week," she said.