As teacher shortages continue to challenge Australian schools, research from Dr Stefan Schutt, Associate Professor Steve Murphy, Dr Rebecca Miles-Keogh, Dr Adam Staples and industry partner Andrea O’Connor highlights how one rural primary school has succeeded in attracting and retaining teaching staff.
The case study of a rural primary school sought to understand the factors that have helped create a culture where graduate teachers want to stay, especially the role of school leadership.
“Key strategies included fostering an inclusive culture through team teaching, social activities and dedicated staff wellbeing spaces, as well as the development of strong relationships between staff, students and the local community,” Dr Schutt says.
He adds that the school also developed innovative ‘grow your own’ recruitment practices.
“One notable innovation is the school’s use of Education Support Officer and Permission to Teach roles to bring in people from the local community, train them and encourage them to complete teaching qualifications, and at the same time providing pre-service teachers with the kind of practical classroom experience that isn’t always possible in university placements.”
Dr Schutt says the case study shows how important school leaders are in creating a positive culture, and offers practical insights for other rural schools facing teacher shortages.
