Aboriginal students will benefit from stability and connection in their schools thanks to a NSW Government initiative that has increased the number of permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teaching and support staff.
NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said 182 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff have accepted permanent employment under the plan to move temporary staff into permanent roles.
This includes 90 Aboriginal Education Officers, 33 teachers, two Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers and 57 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in other support roles.
Mr Dizdar said the Department was committed to ensuring every student can learn, grow and belong at school through its NSW Plan for Public Education.
“A permanent position provides our Aboriginal educators and support staff with financial security and allows them to remain in their school as strong cultural support for our students,” he said.
“This stability and connection will help drive improved outcomes for our Aboriginal students.”
There are 2843 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander staff employed in NSW public schools.
Schools with an eligible Aboriginal Education Officer and all Connected Communities schools were included in the first round of the temporary to permanent scheme, highlighting the importance that the NSW Government places on supporting Aboriginal students in the public education system.
“Our students cannot be what they cannot see. For our Aboriginal students, having Aboriginal leaders in their school as role models opens their eyes to the vast world of post-school opportunities,” Mr Dizdar said.
“We want all our schools to be safe and inclusive environments that celebrate the strength of our vibrant, diverse and multicultural communities.”
Research shows Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander educators and support staff play a key role ensuring Aboriginal students feel culturally safe in their schools.
As well as supporting their students in the key areas of learning, culture and community, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander teachers and support staff are role models for post-school transition and pathways.
