North East teacher 'grateful' for school tutor program funding boost

Victorian deputy premier and minister for education James Merlino announced at yesterday's pandemic press conference that the state government would contribute $230.4 million to extend the program, which was introduced to supports students' learning during the disrupted COVID-19 period.

Teacher at a North East school, Carolyn, whose last name has been withheld for privacy, said the program had had been hugely successful at her school.

"My instant reaction is that I'm really grateful," she said.

"We're really lucky to be able to have the funds to be able to continue the support we've established from the start of the year.

"The tutor that we've employed to work at the school, she's been available to work with the students during lockdown as well, so she's continued her tutoring program through lockdown, so it's run quite smoothly."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Carolyn said she'd seen her students benefit under the program because the tutor was able to provide small group learning opportunities and the children were enthusiastic to learn with her.

"And without funding schools just can't do those things," she said.

"I mean schools struggle to be able to support students with behavioral needs, and any other students that are not on the NDIS.

"It's just too hard to support the students because the funding is not there."

Carolyn said staff had also benefited from having a tutor to help with teaching and catering to the diverse learning needs within different classes.

"They're a qualified teacher, so having that extra set of hands to work with the students and establish relationships with the students is wonderful," she said.

Carolyn said that though there were some students who had thrived in a home learning environment, for many it had been an "exceptionally hard" school year.

"So for students they've almost lost that morale," she said.

Mr Merlino acknowledged the difficulties of home learning for many students, families and teachers over the past 18 months.

"There's no questions that this pandemic has been a challenge for many students," he said.

"But we're making sure no Victorian child is left behind, with thousands of dedicated tutors to make sure everyone can catch up and prepare for a much better 2022."

Mr Merlino said the success of the program was reflected in state-wide school results.

"Out tutors have done incredible work throughout this year helping students succeed," he said.

"And Victoria's nation-leading NAPLAN results are a testatment to their dedication and hard work in schools across the state."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: