Teacher attrition at record low, but recruitment challenging
Teacher attrition rates in Australia have fallen to their lowest point in over a decade, now sitting below those of all other professions, new research from the e61 Institute shows.
The study, based on tax data from 2009 to 2021, reveals that just over five per cent of teachers left the profession each year, down from almost six per cent, with the sharpest decline among early-career teachers, whose exit rate has nearly halved.
Despite the positive trend, the research highlights ongoing concerns. Attrition remains high in remote areas and special education, and teachers with high academic scores are more likely to leave for higher-paying jobs outside education.
Financial gain is not the main motivator. ‘Most teachers who leave actually earn less in the long run,’ e61 research manager Dr Silvia Griselda said, noting that ex-teachers earn 36 per cent less after 10 years.
The report warns that the real crisis lies in the shrinking supply of new teachers, with enrolments in teaching degrees stagnant and trailing behind growth in other fields like nursing. Researchers call for urgent action to attract more students and address high-turnover regions.
Teachers turn to AI for support
Australian teachers are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence tools in the classroom, as governments invest in pilot programs aimed at easing teacher workloads, according to Monash University.
Dr Jo Blannin, senior lecturer at Monash’s School of Education, said AI is helping teachers manage time-consuming tasks such as administration and lesson planning where teacher shortages have led to more educators working outside their subject areas.
‘Generative AI is being used to revisit content or explore unfamiliar teaching concepts,’ Dr Blannin said.
‘It’s also helping with what teachers call the ‘drudge work’ – the paperwork and admin that take up valuable classroom time.’
But the technology isn’t a quick fix. Dr Blannin noted that in early stages, AI tools can increase teacher workload as staff navigate ethical questions and learn how to use the tools effectively.
One in four teens mistake control for care
A new campaign is tackling growing confusion among young Australians about what constitutes healthy behaviour in relationships.
Launched by national violence prevention organisation Our Watch, the Comfort Zone campaign is designed to help young people recognise the difference between care and control through interactive tools, games, and social media filters. It’s backed by celebrities including Heartbreak High stars Bryn Chapman Parish and Sherry-Lee Watson, and TikTok duo Taz and Alessia.
‘Healthy relationships start with healthy boundaries,’ said Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly. ‘Young people want to do the right thing, but they need support to understand what that looks like.’
The campaign also highlights concerning attitudes toward consent, with over half of surveyed teens believing it's up to girls to clearly reject advances, and nearly half of boys unsure what makes a relationship healthy.
Bishops call for peace amid global conflicts
Australia’s Catholic bishops have urged peace and dialogue in a new statement for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, expressing concern over conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar. The bishops call for truth-telling, education, and prayer as foundations for lasting peace. Read more.
What’s on
Anti-Bullying Rapid Review consultation: the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review will be led by Dr Charlotte Keating and Dr Jo Robinson AM. The review will assess current approaches and provide options for a consistent national standard to help ensure all schools respond appropriately to bullying, Written submissions close 20 June 2025. Find out more here.
Early Learning Matters Week: 28 July–3 August 2025. Organised by Early Childhood Australia (ECA), Early Learning Matters Week aims to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of early learning in shaping the development and wellbeing of children. Find out more.
Registration is open for the 2025 Australian Catholic Education Conference to be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from Wednesday, 20 August to Friday, 22 August 2025. With the theme ‘hope, anchored in faith’, the conference will focus on the strategic vision and mission of Catholic education across three key areas – Faith, Excellence and Access. Find out more.
Bullying No Way Week is an initiative acknowledged in the third week of August each year. The dates for next year's Bullying No Way Week are 11–15 August 2025. Registrations will open in June 2025 when the event toolkit, to help with planning for the week, will be sent to registered schools and supporters. Find out more.
Find information on eSafety’s virtual classroom webinars here.
National Child Protection Week: 7-13 September. The theme for 2025 will be ‘Every conversation matters: shifting conversation to action.’ Find out more.