Career break/ job share proposals will exacerbate teacher shortages
A proposal to axe career breaks for teachers, which has been reported in the media, demonstrates a lack of joined-up thinking by the Minister for Education and her Department, ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie has stated. Additional restrictions on job sharing arrangements would be similarly pointless.
“These proposals would likely exacerbate teacher shortages by forcing some teachers to resign. They will do nothing to resolve the teacher shortage crisis and will impact on already low teacher morale,” said Mr Christie.
The ASTI has called for a number of actions to address teacher shortages including:
- Reducing the length and cost of the two-year Professional Masters in Education.
- Offering permanent, secure teaching jobs to teachers.
- Addressing obstacles for teachers teaching abroad to return home.
- Restoring promotional structures in schools, so as to ensure teaching is perceived as a sustainable and rewarding career.
The ASTI General Secretary also criticised the lack of consultation on the career break/ job share proposals.
“We have been warning of a teacher shortage crisis for many years. We have presented much evidence and research on the problem and on how it can be best addressed. It is essential that the Minister and the Department of Education involve the key stakeholders who are most familiar with the complexities of the current crisis so that students’ education is protected.”
