Victorian Government Rejects Four-Day Work Week Proposal for Teachers
Despite recommendations from a Monash University report, both political parties in Victoria oppose the trial of a four-day work week for teachers to address staffing shortages.
- Monash University surveyed 8,000 teachers, finding widespread burnout and a desire for a four-day work week to improve education delivery.
- The report suggests increased pay, smaller class sizes, and school facility upgrades as part of broader reforms.
- Both the Victorian Premier and opposition argue that a four-day work week would exacerbate current staffing shortages rather than alleviate them.
- Education Union leaders highlight the unsustainable workloads and stress faced by teachers, urging policymakers to consider bold reforms.
- Trials of four-day school weeks in the US show mixed results, with some reduction in student bullying but no clear impact on teacher retention.