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"Quality teachers are the greatest in-school influence on student outcomes and by increasing the supply of high quality teachers in Victorian schools we will ensure every student, regardless of where they live, has access to excellent teachers in their classrooms."
What is the 2020 STARRS program
The STARRS Program will make positions in rural and regional schools, disadvantaged schools and certain subject areas more attractive. In addition to Targeted Financial Incentive payments to attract teachers, STARRS provides on-going support to schools and networks to improve teacher attraction, development and retention.
In addition to the Targeted Financial Incentive (TFI) payment, additional initiatives have been funded to boost retention by providing ongoing support for new teachers.
This includes:
a Welcome Hamper for teachers will be provided to Principals or their appointed school mentors to fill with useful information about their school and local community.
Funding for Networks providing regular opportunities for teachers to connect with area-based colleagues and facilitate collaboration and sharing ideas and resources.
a Local Coordinator will be available to support the Principal and Network in designing local solutions and strategies for the attraction, development and retention of excellent teachers.
Professional development grants up to $5,560 per year for two years with five days' time release to undertake professional development.
The STARRS vision
The Victorian Government's vision is to build Victoria as the Education State so that every student can access a great local school with great teachers and a quality education, no matter where they live. The challenge for regional and rural education is ensuring, regardless of location or circumstances, that every young person has access to high quality schooling and opportunities.
Schools in low socio-economic areas and many rural and regional locations generally have lower student learning outcomes than other schools. These schools also have the most difficulty in attracting and retaining high quality teachers.
"Recruitment challenges are more pronounced in rural areas with 20.6% of teaching advertised positions not resulting in an appointment compared with 10.9% in inner regional areas and 12.9% in major cities."
Increasing the supply of high-quality teachers in schools will make sure every student, no matter where they live, has access to a great local school, excellent teachers and a quality education.
"We want to attract people to our town, not pull them there. We want them to stay longer term and be part of our community, not just come for a year and then leave."
- Participant, Expert Advisory Panel for Rural and Regional Student, DET 2019
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