What do Victorian parents really think about out-of-field teaching? In this episode, Parents Victoria CEO Gail McHardyshares insights from years of advocacy on behalf of public school families. We explore how teacher qualifications, continuity, and communication shape trust in schools - and why relationships are everything. Gail also unpacks the limitsof school councils, the rising visibility of workforce issues, and how parents can advocate constructively at both local and systemic levels.

Links:

Victorian Parliament Inquiry into the State Education System (2023–2024): https://new.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/inquiry-into-the-capacity-of-the-victorian-school-system-to-deliver-a-quality-education-to-all-students/

Parents Victoria: https://www.parentsvictoria.asn.au/

Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT): https://www.vit.vic.edu.au/

Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA): https://www.vrqa.vic.gov.au/

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA): https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/