Teachers need time to plan and collaborate: Illawarra teachers sound the alarm

NSW Teachers Federation

NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra will hold a public rally with Illawarra region teachers at Keira High School today (MONDAY) from 7:45am, presenting local evidence from a survey of more than 1,000 Illawarra-region teachers who say they simply don't have the time to properly plan or prepare.

Data from a comprehensive survey of almost 20,000 NSW teachers shows that the overwhelming majority lack sufficient time to meet growing student needs. In the Illawarra region, the results are even more stark. Localised data from 1,159 teachers in the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Keira, South Coast and Heathcote electorates reveals:

• Preparation time deficit: Between 94% and 99% of teachers in these electorates report they are not afforded enough preparation time to meet the needs of today's students.

• Burnout and fatigue: Between 92% and 97% of surveyed teachers in the Illawarra reported experiencing emotional and physical fatigue due to a lack of time.

• Wellbeing concerns: Across all Illawarra electorates, between 85% and 97% of teachers stated they lack enough time to address critical student wellbeing matters.

"Fewer than one in twenty teachers statewide say they have enough time to do the work required for their students," Rajendra said. "In the Illawarra, the message from our members is clear. They are determined to provide the best education possible, but they are being crushed by the sheer complexity and lack of time to plan quality lessons and collaborate with colleagues."

Despite increasing classroom complexity, teacher preparation time has remained stagnant for primary teachers since the 1980s and for secondary teachers since the 1950s. This is particularly concerning given that the number of students with disability in NSW public schools has risen by 75% since 2021, with 86% of these students learning in mainstream settings.

The Federation is calling on the NSW Government to implement the 2021 Gallop Inquiry recommendation of an additional two hours of preparation time per week. Local data shows that Illawarra teachers believe this change would be transformative:

"The NSW Government has made meaningful progress on teacher pay," Mr Rajendra said. "Now it's time to finish the job and commit to the additional preparation time teachers—and students—desperately need".

Event Details:

Who: Henry Rajendra, President NSW Teachers Federation

When: 7:45 am, Monday 23 February 2026

Where: Keira High School (main entrance on Lysaght Street)

Contact: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032