Attracting teachers to rural schools - time for a rethink
Sep 07, 2017
Attracting to teachers to rural schools has been a long term problem in Australia. This challenge was mentioned in the NSW Parliament in 1904. There have been several reviews over the years, to suggest strategies, the last of which was in 2004. Solutions are tricky. Try incentives, but this works for a short time, the incentive is gained, then teachers return to the city.
Students in rural schools, therefore, are less likely to have access to a good education.
In March this year, the government announced an independent review into regional, rural and remote education.
It's time to think of a fresh approach. Nothing has worked for over 100 years. One suggestion is to elevate rural teaching to a specialty in it's own right, akin to specialising in rural health. Read More
Rich Schools, Poor Schools
Australia’s schooling system is among the most highly segregated in the OECD. Public schools educate the majority of disadvantaged students, while there is concentrated advantage in private schools.
This situation can be attributed, in large part, to our school funding arrangements. Recent research
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Hurry if you haven't sorted Book Week
As Term 3 is almost upon us, if you haven't sorted a Book Week incursion, hurry! If you're flexible with dates, you might be able to swing one of our great shows.
See our Book Week Shows here.
Image: Something Special Live - Available NSW, QLD, ACT,VIC,SA & WA
Livestream version available nationally
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Naidoc Week in 2026
The next cultural day to celebrate nationally is NAIDOC week. This year on 5-12 July, when all Australian schools are on holiday. The likely time schools could celebrate is the first week of July, when some states are still at school.
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