Canberra teachers strike again over overcrowded classes as staff shortages
Canberra public school teachers struck for two hours on September 24 over staff shortages forcing combined and split classes.
Canberra's public schools closed for two hours last Thursday as the Australian Education Union protested workplace conditions from severe staff shortages. Teachers cover combined classes with up to 90 children.
Parents get notices that normal learning won't happen for days due to illness and leave. Three types of class arrangements now occur across ACT schools: split classes (students moved to other classes), combined classes (classes combined above policy sizes when staff are absent), and flexed classes (lessons cancelled and students do independent work).
The Education Directorate has limited sight on how often this happens. Each school keeps its own records.
Education Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the practice is widespread. Primary school children need constant supervision.
A full-day strike is possible in Term Four.
- September 24
- Strike date
- 2 hours
- Strike duration
- 90
- Children in combined class
- Third strike
- Work stoppages this year
Why it mattersOvercrowded classes affect the quality of education children receive and add pressure to already burnt-out teachers.
AustraliaACT parents and students face disrupted learning and large class sizes as Canberra's public schools struggle with workforce shortages.
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