MEDIA RELEASE

Min 170/02 5 September 2002

I welcome the release of a Discussion Paper on Strategies to Attract and Retain Teachers of Science, Technology and Mathematics issued by the Committee overseeing the Review of Teaching and Teacher Education.

The Committee is chaired by Professor Kwong Lee Dow, Deputy Vice Chancellor of The University of Melbourne.

The Discussion Paper raises a number of issues and questions relating to the attraction and retention of teachers in the fields of science, technology and mathematics. It is intended to stimulate thinking about how people with expertise and skills in science, technology and mathematics can be attracted to teaching as a career.

Attracting and retaining the best people into the teaching profession is of critical importance, especially in the fields of science, technology and mathematics.

The Review Committee is inviting comments on the series of issues and questions raised in the Discussion Paper, as well as issues of a broader nature, from individuals and organisations through a formal submission process.

This is a timely opportunity for teachers, educators, State and Territory authorities and anyone interested in the teaching of science, technology and mathematics in Australian schools, to contribute directly to the Review process. The submissions will provide a valuable source of ideas and information for consideration by the Review Committee.

The Review will provide an interim report to me in December 2002 on measures to attract and retain teachers of science, technology and mathematics. Its final report, to be delivered in mid 2003, will include an innovation action plan for the school sector.

The Review will contribute directly to developing the capacity of teaching and teacher education in Australia to encourage and support innovation and to better prepare our young people to participate fully in shaping our future.

The Review Committee was set up in August and includes leaders from the fields of education, technology and business. The full membership of the Review Committee is attached.

A broad-based Reference Group is assisting Professor Lee Dow and the Review Committee by providing guidance with the consideration of issues raised during the Review. The Reference Group met with Professor Lee Dow in Melbourne on 29 August.

Among the Group’s membership are organisations directly representing teachers including various professional bodies representing teachers of science, technology and mathematics, teacher unions, and teacher educators as well as science academics and school principals. Also represented are Australian business groups and technology specialists. The full membership of the Reference Group is attached.

Our teachers play a crucial role in strengthening our capacity in science, research and innovation, and this underpins Australia’s prospects into the future. I look forward to receiving the Review Committee’s reports.

The Discussion Paper on Strategies to Attract and Retain Teachers of Science, Technology and Mathematics, and details about the submission process can be found at: http://www.dest.gov.au/schools/teachingreview

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