Teaching Australia fails to meet objectives

2 October 2006, 11:36am

A statement by the Independent Education Union

The IEU has written to the federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, Ms Julie Bishop, requesting a review of government decisions made in relation to Teaching Australia (TA).

A statement endorsed by the IEU Executive states that the Commonwealth Government's recently re-badged TA fails to be a voice for the teaching profession despite its 'by the profession for the profession' rhetoric.

TA evolved from the National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership (NIQTSL), but despite recommendations from its interim committee and advice from teacher unions during the consultation process, the organisation is not representative of teachers.

Currently the board or governing structure is elected by the profession and it is not a requirement that there be any current practising classroom teacher on the board. Further, individuals from teachers' unions have been explicitly excluded from the governing structure.

Over many years the IEU has expressed support for a national professional body for teachers that would have as its goal the enhancement of the status and standing of the teaching profession.

Such a body would be underpinned by a collaborative approach involving key education stakeholders that is accountable to teachers and reflects the profession in its membership.

Instead, there are a number of threats to the profession arising from the current structure and policy of TA.

The main concern is that the government's political and industrial priorities will be promulgated by TA. These priorities may well be contrary to the interests of teachers and educational leaders.

This could include the allocation of resources to areas that are not reflective of the needs of school communities. The current funding of TA itself has been redirected from funds previously targeted for teachers' professional development (Quality Teaching Program, since 1999).

Downloadable files

IEU Statement Teaching Australia (28kb)

Contact details

Lynne Rolley
Federal Secretary
Ph: 03 9254 1830
Fax: 03 9254 1835
ieu@ieu.org.au