The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2008 is a significant document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for government school teachers, principals, and support staff in Victoria, Australia. The agreement was negotiated between the Victorian Government and the Australian Education Union (AEU) and came into effect on 1 January 2009.

One of the key features of the agreement is the provision for salary increases for teachers, principals, and support staff. The agreement provided for a 3.25% salary increase per annum for teachers, 3.5% for principals, and 3.6% for support staff. The agreement also provided for an increase in the minimum salary levels for teachers and principals.

In addition to the salary increases, the agreement also included provisions for reducing workload and improving working conditions for teachers and support staff. The agreement provided for the reduction of face-to-face teaching time for primary school teachers, the introduction of specialist teachers in primary schools, and the creation of new roles for support staff.

The agreement also included provisions for professional development for teachers and support staff. The agreement provided for a range of professional development opportunities, including training in new teaching methods and technologies, and the opportunity for teachers and support staff to undertake further study.

The Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2008 was a significant achievement for the AEU, representing a significant improvement in working conditions and salary levels for government school teachers and support staff. The agreement was also an important step towards improving the quality of education in Victoria, providing for a more supportive and professional environment for teachers and support staff.

In conclusion, the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2008 was a significant document that provided for significant improvements in working conditions, salary levels, and professional development opportunities for government school teachers and support staff in Victoria. The agreement was an important achievement for the AEU and represented an important step towards improving the quality of education in Victoria.