A $63 million Labor school staff commitment would see 308 teachers and support staff appointed to state schools over four years, Opposition Leader Rebecca White has promised.
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The opposition is expected to release its full education policy on Tuesday, with the announcement on teacher numbers part of that policy.
“We know that our teachers are stretched to breaking point and we cannot hope to get the best from them or for our students without providing additional capacity to allow them the time they need to teach,” Ms White said.
“Teachers, principals and all members of the school and education community do an excellent job in often challenging circumstances.”
Labor’s policy would employ 89 new teachers, 40 early years teachers, 30 teacher assistants and administration staff and 30 professional support staff such as speech pathologists and school psychologists.
50 additional teachers would be returned to schools from bureaucracy, 17 Pathway Planner staff would restart the program, and 30 child and family centre staff would be hired.
The policy would also maintain 22 early childhood intervention service teachers.
In total the policy would see 201 teachers added to state schools, and 107 school support staff employed.
Labor had earlier said the party would restore the career advice program Pathway Planning, which was axed by the state government in 2014.
Labor’s commitment follows the Tasmanian Greens’ promise to boost full-time equivalent teacher numbers in state schools by 250, increase teacher numbers by 200, and increase professional support staff in schools.
The Jacqui Lambie Network likewise committed to increasing teacher numbers by 250, along with increasing professional support staff and raising university entry standards for teachers.
The Liberal party has yet to release their campaign education policy in the lead-up to the state election on March 3.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff has already promised the roll-out of grade 12 to all state schools and has said the Liberals restored 107 teachers and 74 support staff in schools during the past term.
Opposition education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne said cuts to teacher numbers needed to be repaired.
“All students should have access to the right education opportunities at the right time and in the right place and Labor will ensure that students who choose to study at extension schools are not disadvantaged, either in course choice or their ability to transition to higher learning,” she said.
“We will also act to ensure that regardless of where they study, all students will be able to access the right education and learning support at the right time.”
The Australian Education Union Tasmania has welcomed both the Greens and JLN commitments, with president Helen Richardson pushing the Quality Education campaign to increase teacher numbers by 200.
