BY JARROD MELMETH
Staff have walked off the job at Newcastle Senior School over concerns about staff shortages.
The Union reports there have been more than 20 unfilled teacher absences at Newcastle Senior School this year and teachers are fed up with the disruption staff shortages are having on teaching and learning programs.
The school specialises in the education of children with an intellectual disability which requires an intensive amount of work for teachers.
NSW Teachers Federation Deputy President Henry Rajendra says having insufficient staff places a huge burden on teachers and affects the provision of curriculum across the school.
"The teacher shortage is impacting on the ability of staff to take leave of seek professional learning opportunities.
"Students are missing out on the education they deserve due to lack of staffing, including casual teacher relief.
"The Gallop inquiry into the work of teachers found earlier this year that uncompetitive salaries for teachers and unsustainable workloads are leading to teacher shortages
"The workloads of teachers have increased every year, but their salaries have fallen every year compared to other professions," Mr Rajendra said.
The Union says it isn't ruling out further action if these simple requests are not met.
