Researching the professions

The staffing of non-metropolitan schools has been a significant concern in Australia since the inception of compulsory schooling. Over the last twenty years a plethora of research has been undertaken into the opportunities and challenges of staffing non-metropolitan schools. Despite a consistent research effort, Australia has not managed to achieve significant long-term positive change. This is an issue that has the potential to impact on students and their future beyond school.

In this research we explore current and historical research into the staffing of rural schools, and staffing of other professions in rural areas. By exploring  and identifying new approaches to researching the rural professions we argue that, in order to achieve long-term change in the staffing of non-metropolitan schools, we need a divergence from the approaches used over the past twenty years. New studies need to focus on using new methods, collaborating with all stakeholders, and pursuing sustained efforts to value the distinct nature of the profession in these locations.

This research involves an analysis of current and historical research into the staffing of rural schools, and staffing of other professions in rural areas. This includes research outside the education profession, and comparative analysis across professions.

This project aims to develop new approaches to researching the staffing of rural school. This includes the development of new methods and collaborations with all stakeholders. It is hoped that these new approaches will contribute towards valuing the distinct nature of the profession in these locations.

Publications

• Roberts, P., Cosgrave, C., Gillespie, J., Malatzky, C., Hyde, S., Hu, W. C., ... & Downes, N. (2021). ‘Re‐placing’ professional practice. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 29(2), 301-305.
• Downes, N., Roberts, P., & Dean, J. (2021). Researching the schoolhouse: Rethinking research on the staffing of rural, remote and isolated schools in Australia (2000-2019). Available from: https://researchprofiles.canberra.edu.au/en/publications/researching-the-schoolhouse-rethinking-research-on-the-staffing-o
• NSW Department of Education with Societel Consulting. (2021). A Review of rural and remote incentives in NSW public schools’.
• Downes, N., & Roberts, P. (2018). Revisiting the schoolhouse: A literature review on staffing rural, remote and isolated schools in Australia 2004-2016. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 28(1), 31-54.
• Roberts, P., & Downes, N. (2020). The Challenges of Staffing Schools in a Cosmopolitan Nation: Rethinking the recruitment and retention of teachers in Australia through a spatial lens. In T. Ovenden-Hope, & R. Passy (Eds.). Exploring Teacher Recruitment and Retention (pp. 221-230). Routledge.
• Roberts, P. & Downes, N. (2019). The Rural Difference Trope: Leader Perceptions on Rural, Regional and Remote Schooling Difference. Leading & Managing, 25(2), pp. 51-65.
• Downes, N & Roberts, P. (2018). Revisiting the schoolhouse: A literature review on staffing rural, remote and isolated schools in Australia 2004-2016. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 28(1). pp.31-54.
• Roberts, P. (2007). Shaping Future Staffing Systems to Support Students in Rural, Remote and Isolated Communities. Australian College of Educators Online. Refereed Article 46.
• Roberts, P. (2005). Staffing an Empty Schoolhouse: Attracting and retaining teachers in rural, remote and isolated communities. Sydney, NSW. New South Wales Teachers Federation. ISBN 1875699368.

Related Projects

• Workforce motivations and incentives for rural professionals
• Experiences of students entering medical programs through rural pathways
• Rural placements for preservice teachers and health practitioners
• Rural professional practice
• Exploring Rural Knowledges