Queensland state schools are set to receive a $44 million funding boost aimed at addressing bad behaviour in classrooms.
This initiative will distribute an average of $35,000 per school. It also enables schools to hire new teacher aides, speech pathologists, and behavioural specialists, or increase the hours of existing staff.
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The funding comes after years of rising classroom violence and strained resources.
Queensland Teachers’ Union vice-president Leah Olson said: “$44 million doesn’t go as far as you might think, but it certainly helps.”
Olson also called for sustainable funding to prevent teacher burnout amid the state’s teacher shortage crisis.
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek explained that schools’ allocations will be based on student enrolments, with smaller schools receiving a base level of about $1,000.
The funds are expected to be made available within the week, providing schools the autonomy to use the money for their specific behavioural needs, including professional development and access to specialist resources.
“It’s clear the behavioural issues we’re seeing in Queensland classrooms are a direct result of Labor’s failure to provide teachers with the support and critical resources they need,” Langbroek said.
Premier David Crisafulli also highlighted the importance of creating safe learning environments, claiming that the funding would help stamp out bullies on campus.
“Teachers deserve the right to be able to go to school and teach in a safe environment,” he said.
He said more support would allow teachers to focus on educating rather than managing disruptions.
“Every student deserves to feel safe in the classroom – as does every teacher – and this is about giving schools the tools they need to succeed and ensure they deliver world-class education to all students.”
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