Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Keeping our Teachers

A university lecturer from Monash University, Philip Riley, has penned his thoughts on how to keep teachers teaching. His article is here:

He makes some good points. Nearly half the teachers who start teaching do not last longer five years. A quarter last only one year. All this means a lot of money and effort are wasted.
 
His solution seems to be better training and professional development. I seem to remember that the practicum (practice teaching) was the best part of Dip Ed. It will be interesting to see how Melbourne Uni's two year teaching course goes. I gather it has a strong emphasis on the practicum. Unfortunately for Melb Uni's students they do not get any more money when they start teaching (except, possibly, if they can obtain a position in an obliging private school) and they will have a higher HECS debt.
 
Increasing teacher training costs money and short-sighted governments don't like spending money, unless they can get a few quick votes.

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