Attracting and retaining a diverse teacher workforce
Nov 22, 2023
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Explore the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools, and strategies for increasing diversity in the teaching workforce. Discover the positive impacts on student outcomes and school communities. Learn about 'grow your own' approaches, high school academies, and vocational education as strategies for attracting and retaining diverse teachers. Understand the need for support, time, and inclusive workplaces for new teachers from diverse backgrounds. Delve into the benefits of embracing different perspectives and cultural sensitivity in leadership.
The lack of diversity in Australia's teacher workforce hampers the ability to provide a more inclusive and culturally diverse learning environment for students.
Strategies such as the 'grow your own' approach and comprehensive induction programs are crucial for attracting and retaining a diverse teacher workforce.
Deep dives
Research on increasing diversity in Australia's schools
Associate Professor Suzanne Rice of the University of Melbourne conducted research funded by the Keating Foundation to address underachievement among certain student groups, specifically those in regional/remote settings, lower socioeconomic backgrounds, students with disabilities, and Indigenous students. The research aimed to raise the achievement of these groups and address staffing challenges in schools with high numbers of these students. The research involved a policy scan of overseas initiatives and examined the impact of a diverse teacher workforce on student outcomes.
The current state of diversity in Australia's teacher workforce
The diversity of Australia's teacher workforce is not reflective of the general population. For example, the percentage of teachers from low socioeconomic backgrounds and with disabilities is lower than their representation in the population. Similarly, there is a gap in the representation of Indigenous teachers and teachers born outside of Australia. The lack of diversity in the teacher workforce hampers the ability to provide a more inclusive and culturally diverse learning environment for students.
Strategies to increase diversity and retain a diverse teacher workforce
The research suggests several strategies to attract and retain a diverse teacher workforce. One effective approach is the 'grow your own' strategy, which involves supporting people already working in disadvantaged schools to pursue teaching qualifications. High school academies provide work placements for secondary students interested in teaching, allowing them to gain experience and explore their career interests. Building connections between vocational education and higher education can also provide pathways to teaching qualifications. Inclusion, culturally safe workplaces, comprehensive induction programs, responsive mentoring, targeted pathways to leadership positions, and workplace accommodations for teachers with disabilities are crucial for retaining diverse teachers and fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture.
Thinking about your own school, would you say your team of staff is diverse and representative of the students you teach? We know that diversity in any community is a strength, and when it comes to schools, diversity and a culture of inclusion has a positive impact on student outcomes.
In today’s episode I’m joined by Associate Professor Suzanne Rice from the University of Melbourne, whose research interests centre around attracting and retaining teachers. She’s the lead author of a new report which looks at the current state of diversity in Australia’s schools and explores initiatives and strategies schools and policymakers can put in place to increase diversity.
Host: Dominique Russell
Guest: Suzanne Rice
Sponsor: MacKillop Seasons
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