July 2025 | Compass Review
New research highlights sense of belonging as key to retaining early career teachers
A new scoping review has identified a strong sense of belonging as a critical factor in retaining early career teachers. Nearly 50% of newly qualified teachers leave the profession within their first five years1.
The review, by researchers at Monash University and the University of Melbourne, analysed 31 studies and found 41 contributing factors to workplace belonging. The 41 factors were grouped into four key themes:
- teacher collaboration
- relationships with colleagues
- support through the early-career journey
- involvement in school decision-making
The research suggests that when early career teachers feel valued, connected, and included in their school communities, they are more likely to have a sense of belonging and in turn continue their teaching careers. These findings can be used by schools navigating workforce shortages as a way to strengthen staff wellbeing and retention by following recommendations in the report including mentorship, better induction programs, and community inclusion.
AITSL’s June 2025 Teacher Workforce Survey
New data from June’s Teacher Workforce Survey show that 66% of Australian teachers now have over a decade of experience2. Yet 35% are uncertain about staying until retirement, and nearly 39% plan to leave early suggesting persistent retention issues. Other findings of the survey include:
Teacher workforce demographics and career patterns
The teaching profession maintains consistent demographic patterns, with women comprising 78% of the workforce while men hold 30% of leadership roles and comprise 22% of the overall workforce. Most teachers (66%) have substantial experience with over 10 years in the profession, while early career teachers (first five years) make up 20%. Remote areas attract younger, less experienced teachers compared to urban centers.
Employment and working conditions
Most teachers (69%) hold ongoing contracts, with 70% working full-time. However, early career teachers face greater instability, with only 48% securing ongoing positions and higher rates of short-term (24%) or casual (19%) contracts. Full-time classroom teachers work demanding hours, averaging 50 hours weekly during term time, though this has decreased by approximately 5 hours since 2019. Primary teachers spend 25 hours weekly on face-to-face teaching versus 21 hours in secondary schools, with significant time devoted to lesson planning and administration (6-9 hours each weekly). Additional hours are spent on tasks such as student supervision, teamwork and dialogue with school colleagues, marking/assessment, extra-curricular activities and communication with parents/carers.
Career intentions and retention challenges
Career uncertainty remains an issue for the sector with 35% of teachers unsure about staying until retirement and 39% intending to leave early. Younger teachers show highest uncertainty rates (49% of under-30s), while those aged 30-49 are most likely to plan early departure. Workload and wellbeing concerns are primary factors driving exit intentions. Despite challenges, 52% of non-teaching registered teachers would consider returning under improved conditions, suggesting potential for workforce recovery through targeted improvements.
GenAI Schools Framework deemed still relevant
Last month Education Ministers endorsed the 2024 review of the Australian Framework for GenAI in schools, confirming that the October 2023 Framework remains well‑aligned with current and emerging challenges in education, effectively anticipating issues that weren’t technologically available when the framework was established in 2023, like deep‑fake misuse3.
In October 2023, Education Ministers published the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools to address the opportunities and challenges presented by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI)4. An annual review of the framework takes place to ensure alignment with the rapidly evolving nature of GenAI.
The framework is divided into six guiding principles designed to ensure that generative AI in schools is used responsibly in order to enhance education, protect all users, ensure fairness and transparency, maintain accountability, and safeguard privacy. The six principles are:
- Teaching & learning – AI tools should enhance teaching, learning and administrative tasks and schools must educate students about how generative AI works (including its limits and biases).
- Human and Social Wellbeing – AI must not harm wellbeing; instead, it should promote emotional and social safety.
- Transparency – school communities deserve clear information and guidance on AI use and users must be informed when AI is used or affecting outputs.
- Fairness – AI tools should be inclusive and accessible, supporting users with disabilities and diverse backgrounds.
- Accountability – teachers and school leaders retain control and accountability for decisions involving AI and ongoing monitoring of impact, risks and benefits is essential.
- Privacy, Security & Safety AI tools must uphold student privacy, comply with Australian data laws, and avoid unnecessary collection or sale of student information.
The next review is due to take place in 2026.
Independent Schools Australia Economic Parameters report
The quarterly, Trends in Key Economic Parameters report, from Independent Schools Australia (ISA) provided a snapshot of Australia’s current economic conditions5. Focusing on inflation, wages, employment, and education-specific trends. The report highlights a 5.2% rise in education-related inflation, driven largely by increases in school fees, particularly in the secondary and preschool sectors. While wage growth for private education staff remains steady at 3.4%, broader labour market pressures such as rising unemployment (4.1%) and falling consumer confidence may affect families’ ability to manage school fees.
Janet Stone is the former editor of Education Matters and WhichSchool? Magazines. She has written education content for national publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Australian Financial Review, and The Guardian, as well as several Australian universities and organisations.
Resources
- A scoping review of the factors contributing to a sense of belonging in early career teachers
- National Trends Teacher Workforce
- 2024 Review of the Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence in Schools
- Australian Framework for Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Schools
- Trends in Key Economic Parameters
