Speaking truth to power: IEU voices heard at national Roundtable
Lauren Hall, one of our finest Reps and Deputy President of the Catholic Secondary Council, has informed national policymakers about the realities of school life at the National Teacher Workforce Roundtable in Canberra.
Brad and Lauren (left)
Convened by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Education Minister Jason Clare, the Roundtable addressed national priorities for the teaching workforce and the progress of the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan developed in 2022.
On Friday, 19 September, Lauren, Rep at St Joseph’s Newtown, represented the Victoria Tasmania branch alongside Grayson Tyndale (QLD-NT), Jacinta Lai (NSW-ACT) and Catherine Nolan (NSW-ACT) and Federal Secretary Brad Hayes.
The IEU delegation shared their first-hand experiences and insights with senior education leaders and policymakers, highlighting the complex challenges facing teachers and school leaders.
Lauren said she “jumped at the opportunity” when contacted by General Secretary David Brear.
“Whilst it is good that this Labor government has started the work in identifying the issues around the teacher shortage, there is a long way to go. I have been very outspoken over the past year about some of the issues around why teachers are leaving education, and I am grateful that Dave and Kylie thought of me to represent the Victorians!”
Lauren spoke about gender-based violence and the disrespect many staff face from students and parents, and the steps taken at St Joseph’s College to address these issues, including forming a Women’s Rights At Work (WRAW) group and setting clear measures for change.
She also highlighted how the traditional model of teacher work is driving talented staff to leave for more family-friendly careers. At St Joseph’s, efforts to implement the workplace measures in their Agreement as intended have supported greater flexibility, extending staff the trust to manage their work both at school and at home. This approach has helped staff feel valued, promoted autonomy, and created a more balanced working environment.
Listen to the educators
Lauren admits she and the other teachers she spoke to at the event were “a little perplexed” about the event’s focus on Initial Teacher Education standards and teacher registration.
“Whilst these are important issues, they aren’t front and centre around why teachers are leaving the profession.” Lauren was hoping for more focus on teacher wellbeing and retention.
She says ministerial staffers at the event showed the greatest interest in what she and the other teachers had to share.
“They were really interested in the WRAW resources and how these chats can bring about meaningful change in all workplaces.”
Lauren says the trip taught her that there are “many incredible people” working in education who have the real solutions to the teacher retention crisis.
“What is happening is that these voices and ideas aren’t being heard … There is a huge disconnect between bodies like AITSL, ACARA, AERO and what is actually happening in schools. This is why it is crucial that unions and delegates of the unions have a seat at these tables.”
Lauren said her Roundtable experience reinforced the importance of her role as a Rep and strengthened her commitment to being the best teacher she can be.
“I am motivated to be a part of a movement that seeks to elevate the profession through pushing for better pay and conditions, teacher wellbeing and opportunities to have a long and meaningful career.”
Brad Hayes said the Roundtable was important because the voices of classroom practitioners get heard.
“Workload and teacher burnout, staff wellbeing, teacher autonomy, respect for the profession and financial security are among the critical issues the IEU raised on behalf of members.
“No one understands the problems in education better than those working in schools. Listening to, and acting on, the expertise and advice of our teachers must be at the centre of future reforms.”