NSW teachers near breaking point over prep time shortage
A union survey found that 85 per cent of NSW teachers thought about quitting. The reason was not enough preparation time.
NSW primary teachers get just two hours a week for important work. That is 24 minutes a day.
In that time, they speak with parents, write reports, and plan lessons for students with extra needs. Teachers say this forces them to work early mornings and Sunday evenings to keep up.
Josh Gonzales is a secondary teacher from Illawarra. He said he nearly quit at least a couple of times on bad days.
He has heard similar struggles from many colleagues. The NSW Teachers Federation surveyed 1400 members.
About 85 per cent said they thought about leaving the profession because of the shortfall. The union says two extra hours each week would help.
It would cut the after-hours load and help teachers stay in the job. Teachers say the growing number of students with learning difficulties makes the current time impossible.
- 2 hours
- Prep time per week
- 24 minutes
- Daily prep time equivalent
- 85 percent of 1,400 members
- Survey respondents considering leaving
- 30 years old
- Josh Gonzales age
Why it mattersIf large numbers of teachers quit, schools face a worsening shortage. This could force class cuts. It could lead to worse outcomes for students who need the most help.
AustraliaNSW schools could lose experienced educators and struggle to fill positions, affecting teaching quality and student support across the state.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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