The NSW government is expanding its Rural and Remote Incentives Reform program to give more teachers access to incentives and pay bonuses.
$8 million will be used to extend the program to incorporate temporary teachers and double the bonuses for teachers starting a position in regional NSW.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the expansion ensured all staff had flexibility and the necessary financial support.
“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,” Toole said.
“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.”
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the expansion to incentives for temporary teachers was vital to motivating 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,” 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.
Mitchell said the current system, although “generous” has grown complex.
“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,” she said.
Recently, the NSW government have made commitments to regional schools, such as improved access to technology infrastructure, increased access to early childhood education and a focus on strengthening leadership development programs for teachers.
The commitments aim to create community growth and equity of opportunity throughout NSW.
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