ARE YOUR CHILD’S TEACHERS QUALIFIED? THE GROWING TREND OF OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHING

January 31, 2025 /

Written by Lucy Hall

More teachers are being asked to teach courses outside of their areas of expertise as a result of the ongoing strain on schools caused by the nationwide teacher shortage. While worker flexibility is necessary, this expanding practice raises fundamental questions about the quality of education provided to children. It’s reasonable for parents to wonder if the teachers are qualified to give their kids the best education possible.

What Is Out-of-Field Teaching?

Out-of-field teaching occurs when teachers are assigned to teach subjects or grade levels in which they have not received formal training. This can occur for a number of reasons, such as a lack of teaching staff, scheduling conflicts, and the difficulty of recruiting specialised teachers in rural or remote areas. According to Professor Linda Hobbs of Deakin University, an expert in teacher education, out-of-field teachers may lack the necessary disciplinary background, formal training, or accreditation to teach their assigned subject which can have a impact on your child learning journey.

Why Does It Matter?

Teachers, students, and the larger school community are all impacted by out-of-field teaching.

  • Teacher Stress & Burnout: Teaching an unfamiliar subject can be overwhelming, particularly for early-career teachers. This additional pressure can lead to frustration, burnout, and higher attrition rates, worsening the teacher shortage problem.
  • Student Learning Outcomes: Teachers who lack extensive subject expertise may find it hard to give engaging lessons, answer complex student questions and accurately assess progress. Disengagement and poorer academic achievement may result from this.
  • School & Community Impact: Schools with fewer resources are more likely to rely on out-of-field teachers, often in lower socio-economic areas. Children that are in disadvantaged communities may not have as many opportunities to learn from specialists in subjects like English and mathematics, contributing to a deepening of educational disparities.

The Subjects Most Affected

Although out-of-field teaching is occurs in many various subjects, it is most common in vital areas like English, math, and technology. While some schools choose not to assign certain topics to underqualified teachers, many are left with no other option. It can be even harder to find specialised instructors for courses like STEM and languages, so principals are forced to assign teachers where they are most needed rather than where they are most qualified.

What This Means for Your Child

Parents should be aware of the potential impact out-of-field teaching can have on their child’s education. Students benefit most from teachers who have a strong grasp of the subject matter and the pedagogical skills to deliver it effectively. When taught by someone without the necessary expertise, students may find the subject harder to understand, leading to frustration and a lack of motivation.

Additionally, frequent exposure to out-of-field teaching over several years can have a cumulative effect, particularly in foundational subjects like Mathematics and English. If a child consistently learns from underqualified teachers, they may develop gaps in their knowledge that can be difficult to overcome later.

What Can Be Done?

While out-of-field teaching is a complex issue tied to larger systemic challenges, there are ways to support educators and mitigate its effects:

  • Professional Development: Schools must invest in ongoing training and mentorship programs to help out-of-field teachers build their subject knowledge and confidence.
  • Better Workforce Planning: Addressing teacher shortages through targeted recruitment and retention strategies can help ensure qualified educators are placed where they are needed most.
  • Parental Advocacy: Parents can play an active role by asking schools about their staffing policies, voicing concerns, and advocating for better support for teachers.

The growing reliance on out-of-field teaching highlights the urgent need for systemic change in Australia’s education sector. While many teachers rise to the challenge and strive to deliver quality lessons despite being out-of-field, it is ultimately unfair to both educators and students to rely on a system that places them at a disadvantage. As parents, staying informed and engaged in your child’s education is crucial. Asking questions, advocating for improvements, and supporting teachers can all contribute to a better learning experience for students now and in the future.