The latest annual report from the Department of Education reveals a troubling trend in Western Australia, with teacher resignations reaching a record high. In 2024, a staggering 1,279 teachers left their positions, more than double the 598 resignations recorded in 2020. This alarming statistic highlights a growing crisis within the public education system and raises serious concerns about its future.
The State School Teachers’ Union WA president, Matt Jarman, described these numbers as “sadly unsurprising.” According to him, the primary reason teachers are leaving the profession is an overwhelming workload that many describe as “uncontrollable and unmanageable.” Jarman pointed out that the responsibilities of teachers now extend far beyond traditional classroom duties. They are increasingly taking on roles as de facto social workers and parent liaison officers, which adds to their already heavy burden.
“The reality of the workload in schools is now driving people out of the profession,” Jarman stated. He emphasized that teachers are tasked with managing complex student behaviors and liaising with various therapists, all while striving to maintain their core teaching responsibilities.
Although Jarman noted that initial teacher education programs are more comprehensive than ever, the crisis is not limited to inexperienced teachers. He observed that many seasoned educators are retiring in their 50s instead of their 60s, leading to a significant loss of experienced mentors who traditionally support younger teachers. “We’re not able to retain the most experienced teachers,” he said, explaining that this loss exacerbates challenges for new graduates.
The absence of these veteran educators means less guidance for newcomers, which can make their initial experiences overwhelming. “The loss of these experienced mentors… is having a devastating knock-on effect,” Jarman added. He expressed concern that without experienced teachers to provide support, many new educators may leave the profession altogether, which he described as a tragedy.
Jarman also highlighted the need for a shift in focus toward retaining experienced staff and supporting new teachers. He pointed out that the breaks teachers receive throughout the year are often filled with professional development and other school-related tasks rather than providing genuine respite. “School leaders and teachers are working more and more… over the school breaks,” he said, indicating that this does not accommodate the demanding nature of the school term. He concluded that “it’s not a balanced lifestyle at all.”
The issue of teacher resignations has not gone unnoticed by political figures. Shadow Education Minister Liam Staltari remarked that the resignation figures correspond with feedback he receives from educators across WA. He noted that over the past six years, teacher resignations have surged by 120 percent, attributing this trend to rising violence, burnout, and overall stress within the profession. “Staff and students are bearing the brunt of a Labor Government focused on the wrong priorities,” he stated.
In response, Education Minister Sabine Winton emphasized her commitment to supporting the teaching workforce. “It is important to note that teacher resignations have remained relatively stable over the past few years, while the overall public school teaching workforce has grown to almost 25,600,” she said. Winton acknowledged that there is always more work to be done, stating that the government continues to explore new ways to support teachers and attract more individuals to the profession.
The Department of Education’s report also indicated that the organization fell short on key performance metrics, with only three out of seven effectiveness indicators meeting their targets. Student participation, retention from Year 7 to Year 12, and Year 9 reading and numeracy proficiency were the only indicators to reach their goals. The report noted that targets for the number of students achieving their WA Certificate of Education were not met, along with reading and numeracy targets for Years 3, 5, and 7.
As Western Australia grapples with this crisis, the implications for students, teachers, and the broader education system are profound. Addressing the root causes of these alarming resignation rates is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for public education in the region.
