Addressing the Problem of Teacher Shortage in the Australian Educational Context

Abstract

In the 21st Century, teacher shortages have become a serious challenge for education systems in countries across the globe. Some factors that compound the problem of teacher shortage in Australia include an aging workforce, lower salaries compared to other careers requiring similar levels of education and experience, a high workload demanded of teachers, especially when curriculum, compliance and administrative concerns are considered, and the low esteem with which the teaching profession is regarded. The workforce shortages facing Australian schools are exacerbated by declining enrolments in initial teacher education programs, increased numbers of students not completing their teacher quali..