Cash bonuses are being offered to attract teachers to remote and regional schools deemed “hard-to-staff” in a bid to address staffing shortages.
The “Hard-to-Staff Schools Teacher Incentive” program will provide a perk of $3,275 to new teachers who commit to working at one of nine selected schools for a minimum of 12 months.
Education Minister Jo Palmer says the four-year pilot program will assist schools that often face challenges with staffing.
“We know there is a national shortage of teachers and through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re working to ensure schools have the high-quality teachers they need,” Palmer said.
Teachers who take up the offer will be paid $1,000 six weeks into Term 1 and $2,275 six weeks into Term 3.
The selected district schools include those at Yolla, Port Dalrymple, Lilydale and Glenora.
High schools Smithton, New Norfolk, Montrose Bay, Jordan River Learning Federation Secondary School in Bridgewater and Fairview Primary School are also included.
Palmer said the list will be reviewed annually to ensure resources continue to be directed to areas of greatest need.
In addition to the cash incentives, teachers moving to work at identified remote schools will continue to receive relocation expenses and a $5,000 settling-in payment if they stick around for two years.
