More than 260 have expressed an interest in returning since the NSW Education Department in November started contacting those who quit in the past five years.

NSW public school teachers became some of the nation’s best-paid when a new wage deal came into effect in October, alongside reductions to administrative workloads.

As part of the Teachers Re-Engage initiative, the Department contacted more than 1500 departed teachers to see if they would come back.

Some 145 are now in a pool for casual and temporary work across more than 600 schools.

The Department has simplified the re-employment process by providing support for attaining accreditation, approval to teach, and a Working with Children Check.

Around 60 per cent of the returning teachers are coming out of retirement, motivated by better pay and reduced workloads.

“It’s wonderful to see the passion for teaching reignited among hundreds of experienced educators who thought they had taught their last lesson,” Education Minister Prue Car said.

“NSW started the new school year with a 20 per cent drop in the number of teacher vacancies, compared to the same time last year, but there is a long way to go.”

The teachers will fill gaps caused by absences, but permanent teaching and small group tutoring positions will also be available.

Mark Berry, a retired teacher with almost 20 years of experience, was a prime candidate for the Teachers Re-engage program.

The glider pilot, archer and avid cyclist still felt he had plenty to give as a teacher, particularly to schools for specific purposes and students with special needs.

“I was just working out how I was going to pay for some more gliding,” he told Department reporter, Glenn Cullen.

“But really, it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“A few people suggested I should get back into teaching casually and I had considered it, but was thinking it might be a bit too hard.”

The re-engagement program meant he was back on the books in less than a month.

Now working at Les Powell School in Mount Pritchard and Beverley Park School in Campbelltown, Berry said while he enjoys the camaraderie, support and caring nature of the staff he’s now working with, he also loves the flexibility of his new work situation.