Underpaid, Overworked, Undervalued — Fix Teacher Pay in Victoria Now!

We are Victorian teachers, and we are exhausted.

Every day, we show up for your children. We plan lessons late into the night. We buy classroom supplies with our own money. We support students through anxiety, trauma, and learning challenges — often without adequate resources or support staff.

And yet, Victorian teachers are the lowest paid in the country.

The Pay Gap is Real

Compared to Victorian teachers, educators in other states earn significantly more:

• New South Wales pays 13.3% more at entry level
• Northern Territory pays 20.8% more at entry level
• Western Australia pays 13.6% more at experienced levels
• Queensland and South Australia have both overtaken Victoria in recent salary agreements

This isn't just about numbers — it's about respect. When Victoria pays its teachers less than every other state, it sends a clear message: we don't value what you do.

The Consequences Are Already Here

Teacher shortages are worsening. Burnout is accelerating. Experienced educators are leaving the profession or moving interstate. Graduate teachers are choosing other careers before they even start.

• Victoria faces a projected shortfall of 4,100 teachers by 2025
• 1 in 3 early-career teachers leave within their first five years
• Average weekly unpaid overtime for teachers exceeds 15 hours
• Teachers report spending up to $2,000+ per year of personal funds on classroom resources

What We're Asking For

We call on the Victorian Government to:

1. Immediately bring Victorian teacher salaries in line with the national average — as a minimum first step
2. Commit to making Victoria a top-3 paying state for teachers within the next enterprise agreement
3. Fund dedicated classroom supply budgets for every school so teachers stop paying out of pocket
4. Reduce administrative burden and class sizes to address burnout and unpaid overtime
5. Create meaningful retention incentives for experienced teachers to stop the brain drain to other states

This Affects Everyone

If you're a parent, your child's education depends on attracting and keeping great teachers. If you're a student, your future depends on having motivated, well-supported educators. If you're a community member, strong schools are the backbone of a strong society.

Victorian teachers deserve better. Sign this petition and stand with us.