Education Minister Mark McGowans has announced details of a plan to encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom, giving them the option to funnel 100 per cent of earnings into superannuation.
Education Minister Mark McGowans has announced details of a plan to encourage retired teachers to return to the classroom, giving them the option to funnel 100 per cent of earnings into superannuation.
The full text of a Ministerial announcement is pasted below
The State Government today launched a comprehensive package including higher pay, flexible working arrangements and superannuation incentives to attract retired teachers back into classrooms.
Education and Training Minister Mark McGowan said the new flexi package would pay retired teachers up to $74,275 in 2007 and $76,132 in 2008, and give them the option to salary package up to 100 per cent into superannuation.
"This package allows teachers to customise their working arrangements to suit their lifestyle, and the superannuation deal means they could earn a tax free income," Mr McGowan said.
"Teachers can work full time for a short period such as one term, a semester or a year, or part time for as many hours per week as they choose.
"There are also regional allowances of up to $8,500, remote allowances up to $15,000 pro rata, and subsidised accommodation available to eligible teachers.
"The Government will cover all administrative costs and additional Fringe Benefit Tax issues arising from these new arrangements," he said.
The Minister said there was a pool of up to 1,000 experienced teachers who over the last few years may have retired or left the profession for a variety of reasons.
"The booming economy and the aging workforce have combined to impact on the supply of teachers to our schools, especially in regional Western Australia," he said.
"We have seen good evidence to suggest that many of these retired teachers are happy to come back, even part time, and teach in public schools if offered flexible arrangements.
"We want to bring these experienced teachers back into the classroom, especially in country areas as soon as possible."
All teachers who ceased employment with the Department of Education and Training before June 30, 2006 would be eligible.
"We could see teachers taking up positions as early as August," the Minister said.
"Retired teachers will be sent application forms to register their interest, and a hotline service will be available for more information."
Mr McGowan said the measures were part of a broader action plan to recruit teachers such as overseas and interstate recruitment campaigns, and new strategies for recruiting graduates.
"It will take a few months for these measures to have a direct impact on the staffing of schools, but we are working hard to ensure that our schools are sufficiently staffed with quality teachers into the future."
In February, the Carpenter Government announced the establishment of an independent taskforce, 'Education Workforce Initiatives', chaired by Professor Lance Twomey, to investigate strategies to ensure an ongoing supply of teachers.
The final report is anticipated at the end of the year.
