AUSTRALIA’S TEACHERS MUST BE BACKED BY POLITICIANS

The teaching profession has been unjustly targeted by three federal politicians this week, with comments that undermine the profession and reduce trust in teachers.

AEU Federal President Correna Haythorpe said across Australia, teachers are giving their all every single day. They are highly skilled professionals who are committed to giving every child the best possible start in life.

“Teaching is one of the most important jobs in our community, and it deserves trust, respect and recognition. Yet this week, teachers have instead found themselves targeted by three federal politicians,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“First, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson called for parents to confront teachers in schools over unfounded and ignorant claims that our education system is brainwashing students.”

“Next, Nationals leader Matt Canavan has claimed there is a “feminisation” of the curriculum and that boys are not given any instruction or leadership.”

“Now, Coalition leader Angus Taylor is claiming there is a political agenda and politicisation of our curriculum.”

“Rather than recognising the enormous contribution teachers make every day, they have chosen to attack the profession and the people who dedicate their working lives to educating and supporting our children.”

“These comments are either a malevolent mischaracterisation of Australia's education system for political gain, or a display of complete ignorance of how the teaching profession operates.”

Ms Haythorpe said in each of these three cases, this shows a fundamentally incorrect portrayal of how the Australian curriculum is delivered.

Australia's curriculum is designed and reviewed by the statutory authority ACARA, based on broad consultation with the sector and the public, and requires approval from Education ministers from all jurisdictions.

“It’s clear that we have politicians that want to interfere with our education system with their own right-wing agenda by telling teachers what to teach and how to teach it rather than uplifting the teaching profession and recognising how important teachers are to our school communities,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“For Pauline Hanson to urge parents to go into schools and confront teachers and principals, undermines the important partnership between parents and their children's school.”

“Further, it could actually place teachers in a dangerous situation where conflict and aggression may be exhibited by parents.”

“One Nation have no education policies, just attacks on teachers and Pauline Hanson is stirring up fear and anger with these completely unfounded claims of brainwashing in schools.”

Ms Haythorpe said there has been increasing violence and aggression towards teachers, including gender-based violence, and these kind of comments by politicians do nothing but fuel this kind of aggression and disrespect.

“It is no wonder we have a teacher shortage crisis when we see these direct attacks on teachers by senior politicians,” Ms Haythorpe said.

“Teachers are fully qualified professionals that give 100% every day and should be backed by all political parties to deliver the high-quality education that students need.”

“These kinds of divisive attacks weaken trust in teaching, make it harder to recruit and retain teachers, and undermine our education system as a whole.”

“Teachers don't need lectures from politicians about how to do their jobs. They need respect, they need trust, and they need governments to recognise that investing in teachers is an investment in every child and in Australia's future.

ENDS

Media contact: Kylie Jensen 0402 298 728