The State Government of Victoria has released a rule stating that only 4th-year university pre-service teachers will be allowed back to schools once lockdown ends. This is unfair to all the other pre-service teachers who have been unable to complete their placements over the past 2 years due to constant lockdowns. The State Government has not supported Tertiary Education at all through this pandemic and this rule particularly highlights the injustices that we pre-service teachers face. The State Government constantly says "getting vaccinated is our ticket out", but then why are pre-service teachers still being disadvantaged when we have done the right thing and gotten vaccinated? 

As a second-year pre-service teacher, this will mean that I will have completed 2 years of University without being able to complete a placement. This is the situation for many. Luckily enough for me, I had already commenced an online placement but will now be unable to complete it as I will not be allowed on site. I am fully vaccinated and follow covid-safe guidelines. Pre-service teachers have done everything in order for these placements to happen to then be told we cannot go. When we are on placement, we are designated a specific class and mentor teacher, we do not need to mix with other teachers and students.

If we are fully vaccinated, schools are willing to have us (up to their own discretion) and are following all covid-safe guidelines, why should only 4th year pre-service teachers be allowed on-site? How will we be able to be effective teachers if we are being denied the opportunity to gain experience? How will we be able to gain our teaching license if we do not have enough hours due to our placements being constantly cancelled? 

We plead with you Daniel Andrews and the State Government of Victoria to change this rule and give pre-service teachers an opportunity to gain much-needed experience. This rule does more harm to the education system than good.