The NSW Department of Education has responded to criticisms from the Teachers Federation following the handing down of an independent review of the profession.
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The review highlighted the apparent need for a 10-15 per cent wage increase, and a greater allocation of time each week for teachers to complete planning work outside the classroom.
In November last year, the government did announce it would rollout a 1.5 per cent wage increase across the public sector.
With regards to the Valuing The Teaching Profession inquiry's other recommendations, a spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education told The Daily Advertiser steps have been taken to address the concerns.
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The proposed reforms include a range of resources and up-skilling programs under the School Digital Strategy and Disability Strategy.
The check-in literacy and numeracy tests will also return this year to assist teachers with diagnostic requirements.
Federation deputy president Henry Rajendra said the government had not done enough to fill teacher vacancies across the state's schools.
According to the department, in February, the number of vacancies in public schools amounted to 1359, which represents a 1.8 per cent vacancy rate, even if it was more than the 1250 Mr Rajendra estimated.
"1.8 per cent is a very low vacancy rate for an organisation of this size, and the majority of the vacancies are filled by qualified teachers in a temporary or casual capacity," the spokesperson said.
Mr Rajendra also criticised the government's fast-track to principal program, saying the 50 program positions will be insufficient to meet demand.
The spokesperson responding by saying the "Teachers Federation have missed the point of the policy".
"The Fast Stream is an elite program aimed at lifting the profession and enticing our best teachers and graduates through an accelerated career and training pathway with a mentorship system," the spokesperson said.
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