Retraining and Retaining Stem Professionals: What Works to Address Teacher Shortages

This literature review examines strategies and sets out recommendations for recruiting, engaging and retaining experienced and qualified professionals working in STEM-related industries to teach in classrooms in NSW public schools.

The review, prepared for the NSW Department of Education, forms part of a research project undertaken by the Centre for Social Impact UNSW (CSI UNSW), to lay the foundations for addressing teacher shortages in science and mathematics subjects and increasing STEM knowledge and skills among students in NSW public schools.

The purpose of the report is to develop a set of recommendations derived from evidence informed literature, for recruiting, engaging and retaining high-quality experienced and qualified STEM specialists in classrooms.

These preliminary recommendations will be tested in the data collection phase of the project to formulate a set of final recommendations.

An action policy plan for the Department will be created laying down steps for a sustainable pipeline of STEM specialist teachers for schools which will form the foundations for a strong STEM education policy framework for Australia.