THE Federal and State Government have joined forces in a pioneering project to reduce the administrative burden on teachers.
The $1.88 million pilot program, funded equally by both governments, will be implemented in 33 state secondary, primary, and special schools across Queensland.
The project’s main objective is to employ 11 specialist staff who will support teachers and principals in managing workplace health, safety, and wellbeing administrative workloads.
The new staff members will be responsible for taking on the administrative burden, freeing up teachers to focus on their primary role – teaching students in the classroom.
Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare has emphasised the importance of education and teachers.
“Teaching is the most important job in the world,” he said.
Queensland Minister for Education Di Farmer, echoed this: “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.”
This project was 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 Education Ministers agreed to in December 2022.
The selection process for the pilot project included a cross-section of schools, ranging from larger and diverse facilities to smaller schools, and schools with a health and safety advisor in a teaching or principal role.
At the end of the year, participating schools will assess whether having dedicated staff in schools to undertake these tasks has reduced administrative burden.
