The Andrews Labor Government is calling for former Victorian teachers to return to the classroom in 2023 and support students to get the best education.

Acting Minister for Education Ingrid Stitt today encouraged registered teachers who are not currently working in schools to consider re-joining the workforce in the government, independent or Catholic school sector.

Around 40,000 registered teachers are currently on leave or have retired, but have maintained their registration. Many still have a passion for teaching – with 800 former teachers already registering their interest in returning to government schools.

Those interested in returning to the government school sector will get free and ongoing assistance, professional development and career coaching.

Registration is open to former teachers with qualifications in primary, secondary and specialist education who are interested in returning to the classroom in a full-time, part-time or casual capacity.

The Labor Government is attracting new teachers into the workforce by providing places for 1,200 postgraduate students to work in schools while studying, recruiting international teachers to Victoria, and providing financial incentives to support teachers joining hard-to-staff schools.

The Victorian Budget 2022/23 includes $779 million to recruit 1,900 extra teachers to reduce face-to-face teaching hours and give teachers more time for planning, preparation, assessment and developing teaching practices – as well as $58.9 million over four years to attract and develop quality teachers in all Victorian schools.

Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Education Ingrid Stitt

“Experienced teachers have a huge amount of knowledge and insight – making an invaluable contribution to improve educational outcomes and support our students across the state.”

“There’s no better time to return to the classroom than in 2023 – so I encourage all registered teachers who are not currently working in schools to consider re-joining the school sector.”

“This will not only boost our teaching workforce and support our schools – but also ensure every student in the state has access to excellent teachers, a great learning experience and the best education.”