Teachers in Lismore joined a union call for more government support this week, raising concerns that working conditions could impact students if not addressed.
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The NSW Teachers Federation says a survey of public school teachers and principals on the Northern Rivers revealed how the combined impact of the $1.9 billion funding shortfall and teacher shortage is leading to merged classes, poorer student wellbeing and unsustainable workloads.
The survey of 288 principals and teachers across Northern Rivers found more than a third of teachers regularly teach merged or split classes, and most agreed schools have difficulty retaining staff.
Only 17 per cent were committed to staying in the profession until retirement, and only 3.5 per cent thought their school was well resourced.
Three quarters of those surveyed reported a decline in student wellbeing and engagement in past 18 months, and 91 per cent reported a decline in teacher wellbeing and morale. Only 15 per cent thought counselling services were adequate.
NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra said Northern Rivers public schools were facing immense challenges due to the funding shortfall, and it wasn't sustainable.
"The challenges facing our schools are too great, and the cost of inaction too high.
"The Federal Government must lift its share of funding to 25 per cent by 2028, while the NSW Government must ensure that public schools are genuinely funded at 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard."
Mr Rajendra urged federal MPs to fight for their local public schools, pointing out that public schools educate the overwhelming bulk of the region's students.
Teacher Andrew Broadley supported the call for more investment in teachers.
He said his school, the Richmond River High Campus of The Rivers College, had been through some tough times since the flood, and wanted to see it continue to thrive.
He said they were excited about the school's future with a new site recently secured for the campus, but they needed to make sure they had enough teachers to work there.
Mr Broadley said government support would help attract teachers to regional schools, and retain them.
"While we have competitive salaries now, we are really just on parity with Queensland. So if Queensland go on a recruiting drive, and they increase their salaries, it starts to look attractive."
He said it was a credit to Richmond River High and its teachers that it had continued to retain students, despite working from temporary buildings in East Lismore.
