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More reasons to teach in the bush

Increased financial support for teachers taking up work in regional NSW will now be extended under a review of the incentives program.

Even more teachers will now have access to incentives and pay bonuses, with the NSW Government expanding its Rural and Remote Incentives Reform program.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell at the weekend announced $8 million of the initial $15 million incentives package would be used to extend the existing program to include temporary teachers and double the bonuses for teachers taking up a job in regional NSW.

Mr Toole said the Government was transforming the way teachers were incentivised in regional areas, ensuring all staff were provided with the flexibility and financial support they needed.

“Making the decision to leave home and take up a teaching job in an unfamiliar town, often away from family and friends, isn’t easy. That’s why we’re expanding the most generous incentive system in the country, giving temporary teachers support including an additional salary of up to $30,000, as well travel, living and housing incentives,” Mr Toole said.

“We want all teachers to feel comfortable to expand their horizons and consider relocating to the bush and we know once they get there, they won’t look back.”

Ms Mitchell said the additional access to incentives for temporary teachers were crucial to encouraging more teachers to work in regional NSW.

“Temporary staff are vital to our system – they provide flexibility to schools and staff and it’s important we support them in the same way we support other staff in rural and remote areas,” Ms Mitchell said.

“We will also double the teacher recruitment funding from $10,000 to $20,000, giving eligible teachers an additional $20,000 on top of their teaching salaries to teach in the regions.

“We have the most generous incentive system in Australia, however over time it has grown in complexity. This is the first time we have inspected all aspects of the system to make it fair and flexible, allowing teachers to create a package that works best for them and their circumstances.”

The Rural and Remote Incentives Review included recommendations that support the existing commitments to regional NSW under the Rural and Remote Education Strategy.

The NSW Government commitments made to regional schools include improved access to technology infrastructure, increased access to early childhood education and a focus on strengthening leadership development programs for teachers will enable community growth and equity of opportunity across NSW.

The NSW Government has funded a $125 million Teacher Supply Strategy that is focused on ensuring the right teachers, with the right qualifications are working in places students need them.

The full strategy can be viewed on the education website.

NSW Department of Education

This story was written by the NSW Department of Education. School News shares it with permission.

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