There are many reasons why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachers and staff are beneficial to the whole school or early learning service community.
In 2012, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students made up 4.9% all students, while just 1.2% of teachers identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Evidence suggests that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students achieve better educational outcomes when there are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators and staff present in the school or early learning service.
Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people present in schools and early learning services provides an opportunity for valuable sharing of knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures among students, children and staff.
References:
More Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teachers Initiative (2014) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Workforce Analysis.
Patton, W. A., Lee Hong, A., Lampert, J., Burnett, B. M., & Anderson, J. (2012) Report into the retention and graduation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in initial teacher education.
