As Australia’s teacher shortage continues to impact the learning and lives of young people in schools across the nation, a new podcast series promises to unpack the challenges and offer clear solutions to this pressing issue.
Talking Teachers aims to bring clarity around how to improve outcomes for students and teachers. Photo: Adobe Stock.
The podcast brings together a range of experts to share their insights and ideas on how to improve educational outcomes, restore respect for educators, and attract and retain teachers in the profession.
Hosted by UTS Senior Lecturer Dr Don Carter and UTS Associate Professor Jane Hunter, both experienced teacher education academics and advocates for quality teaching, Talking Teachers explores the root causes of the teacher shortage crisis and offers innovative approaches to address it.
The podcast covers a range of topics, including workload issues, equity and school funding, teacher pay, professional learning, teacher education, and teacher recruitment.
"Our education system is facing a number of serious challenges, and the shortage of qualified teachers is only exacerbating it," said A/Prof Hunter, co-host of Talking Teachers.
As an educator myself, I believe this is a time of opportunity and crisis for our education system and we urgently need to take action on the underlying issues.
Associate Professor Jane Hunter
“This podcast aims to bring clarity around how we can improve outcomes for students, teachers, and the entire school system."
In the first episode of Talking Teachers, the hosts interview Adrian Piccoli, former NSW Minister of Education and Director of the Gonski Institute at UNSW, who says teachers take their professionalism very seriously, but increasing constraints on how they can use that expertise can take the joy and satisfaction out of teaching.
“The more a teacher loves their job, the longer they're going to stay and the better job they're going to do.”
Further episodes feature interviews with experienced teacher Julie Moon, policy advisor and academic Alan Reid, former principal and commentator Chris Bonnor, journalist Jacqueline Maley and President of the Australian Education Union Correna Haythorpe, who combined, paint an insightful picture of the many intersecting issues.
Co-host Dr Carter said the podcast has assembled an expert group with unique and insightful ideas and solutions.
It really is a ‘must listen’ for anyone interested in education, and as NSW has a newly elected government there are plenty of fresh ideas to draw on.
Dr Don Carter
Talking Teachers is produced by Impact Studios at the UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion with production support from Verity Media.
Learn more and listen to Talking Teachers.