The role of schools in rural NSW is attracting attention as part of a major new study that brings together rural communities and government agencies to find solutions to their shared challenges such as attracting and retaining quality teachers, professional and geographical isolation and loss of confidence in both the public and the rural sectors. 

The project, Productive Partnerships for Teaching Quality, is investigating the relationship between teacher education and rural schooling and communities, with a view to improving both educational outcomes and teacher retention in rural NSW.

It is looking at issues of staffing and quality teaching, as well as how schools can establish good relationships with their communities. To this end, holistic, innovative initiatives are being explored, including preparing student teachers more realistically for life in rural communities. 

Charles Sturt University (CSU), in partnership with the University of New England and the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET), has begun the first phase of the three-year study. The project has received Federal and State Government funding of almost $1 million. 

The study aims to bring communities and schools together to form strategies that create both positive teaching environments for students and support beginning and early career teachers in rural schools, according to project leader, CSU’s Professor Bill Green. 

It brings together DET’s 11 school districts located west of the Great Divide, an area representing 84 per cent of NSW’s land mass and over 500 schools. 

“We are dealing with a major equity issue,” Professor Green said. Research indicates that schools are crucial aspects of community life and economic development in country towns. 

“As well as improving educational outcomes for students at rural schools, our project will make recommendations for teacher education, as this clearly impacts on the issues facing rural and remote communities,” he said.

The NSW Minister for Education and Training, John Watkins, said “Public education has a vital role to play in rural and remote NSW, as the major provider of schooling in these areas and also the largest employer of teachers. 

“DET is very pleased to be involved in this project,” he said.

CSU’s participation in the project continues its longstanding commitment to regional education and rural NSW.