Government response to growing teacher shortages has been frustratingly slow and ineffective. Radical action is long overdue
To address acute teacher shortages, the INTO proposes substantially increasing the State-funded teacher education intake, subsidising pre-service fees, expanding special education training and encouraging mid-career transitions. Photograph: iStockCurrent teacher shortages threaten high-quality, inclusive education, directly affecting up to 50,000 primary students in Ireland and indirectly affecting thousands more.
There has been a reluctance at a policy level here in Ireland when it comes to meaningful action, with the Government’s response to growing teacher shortages being frustratingly slow and ineffective. Radical action is long overdue to promote teaching in Ireland, increase teacher supply lines, reduce the loss of qualified teachers choosing careers elsewhere, encourage those working in the system to remain and others already abroad to return.
We support the exploration of more flexible entry requirements to initial teacher education courses and the development of alternative pathways to the profession, while resisting any attempts to dilute the quality of graduates and postgraduates entering primary teaching. Within the current public sector agreement, there is a mechanism for trade unions to progress local pay claims. The INTO intends to lodge claims designed to make salary structures for teachers in primary and special schools more attractive. The freeze on allowances since 2012 has clearly added to the supply crisis in many schools.
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