Retention
The department’s retention initiatives aim to retain hard working and highly skilled teachers and school leaders. The initiatives also assist registered teachers, not currently teaching, to return to and remain in the profession.
Reduction in maximum face-to-face teaching time
The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022 included a landmark reduction in the maximum face-to-face teaching hours for primary, secondary and specialist school teachers by 1 hour in 2023, with a further reduction of 30 minutes in 2024. Through additional funding of $779 million, this initiative gives teachers more time to plan and collaborate and means teachers will have the lowest face to face teaching time of government school teachers across the country.
Returning Teacher Support Service – providing individualised support to assist non-practicing teachers to return to the workforce
The Returning Teachers Support Service (RTSS) supports teachers to return to the workforce. Teachers not currently working in schools, who are interested in a return to the classroom in a full time, part time or casual capacity, can register for this service. RTSS offers non-practicing teachers access to individualised support to assist them transition successfully back into the teacher workforce, whether they have retired, been on extended leave or changed professions and wish to return.
The supports offered to returning teachers include an initial consult with a member of the Returning Teacher Support Service to determine support needed, as well as discussing professional development options which can entail:
- 1-on-1 employability coaching on resume writing, addressing key selection criteria, and interview skills
- Mental health and wellbeing tools
- Teaching writing, including narrative, persuasive, and informative writing courses
- Effective teaching strategies, including High Impact Teaching Strategies (HITS)
- Classroom behaviour management
- Use of technology and internet in the classroom
- Curriculum planning and assessment
- support in creating a School Jobs Vic account, Applicant Pool profile and job applications
- matching returning teachers to current school vacancies
- regular contact with each returning teacher throughout the process, up until the returning teacher has successfully re-entered the teacher workforce.
A dedicated Returning Teacher Support Service team has been established to customise and coordinate these supports and are available 5 days a week to support teachers in returning to the workforce.
Further information
Reviewed 31 March 2025
