According to an international survey published last year, 58% of principals in Australia reported teacher shortages, double the average for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Statistical data reveals that New South Wales is short approximately 960 teachers, while Victoria needs over 1,700. Western Australia also faces a severe deficit, with more than 1,200 educators leaving the profession during the 2024-2025 academic year.

To address this, states have resorted to "permission to teach", a special license allowing individuals who do not fully meet standard qualifications to teach in schools. This group primarily consists of education students.

"That is the only way for us to survive," said Chris Smith, former deputy principal at a public school in Queensland. As a member of the state's teachers' union, Smith noted that despite schools' efforts, the teacher shortage remains a significant challenge.

Last year, both Queensland and Victoria issued nearly 1,300 such permits to fill vacant positions.

Without these measures, some schools are forced to combine classes or remove dividing walls between classrooms to manage students, as seen at Elizabeth Macarthur high school in New South Wales. This school also advertises for teachers with a bonus of up to 20,000 AUD (approximately 330 million VND) for successful candidates, while also recruiting former students currently studying education at university.

A class at Elizabeth Macarthur high school, Australia. Photo: Elizabeth Macarthur High School Fanpage

Meredith Peace, Vice President of the Australian Education Union, stated that workload stress is the primary reason teachers are leaving the profession, leading to shortages.

In a national survey published this year, 47% of young teachers considered leaving the profession, while another 40% were unsure about their career intentions. Only 13% stated they would remain until retirement.

Dean Boss, a 25-year-old teacher, described working continuously, not just during official hours (9 am to 3 pm). Boss teaches before and after-hours classes for senior students or those needing assistance. At home, he continues to plan lessons, prepare materials, and grade assignments.

By late 2022, state education departments unanimously approved an action plan to address the shortage. Since then, the number of annual applications for education programs has increased by 7%.

Individual states have also made progress. For example, in New South Wales, the number of vacant positions in public schools has decreased by 61% over three years.

Correna Haythorpe, President of the Australian Education Union, acknowledged these positive signs but stated that more funding is needed to recruit additional school staff and alleviate the burden on teachers.

Mathew Burt, principal of Broome senior high school, believes Australia requires a comprehensive solution, as schools are currently only attracting teachers from each other, exacerbating shortages in less appealing schools.

Khanh Linh (according to ABC News, The Guardian)