Irish primary schools are experiencing a serious shortage of substitute teachers. According to a recent survey, ninety percent of primary school principals say they are facing difficulties sourcing substitute teachers.
This contradicts Minister Richard Bruton claim that the Department of Education and Skills has found no evidence of a lack of teachers.
More than 80 percent of principals claimed that it was now more difficult to recruit substitute teachers compared to last year.
More permanent teaching positions available
However, according to the Department of Education, this was due to the increase in permanent teaching position. As a result, teachers that were available for substitute work are now in full-time roles.
“Due to the large number of additional permanent positions created in recent years, young teachers have greater opportunities to take on permanent roles in schools, with the knock-on impact that some schools may be experiencing issues in hiring teachers to fill temporary or substitute roles.”
Dearth of teachers for Gaelscoileanna
The report further claimed that Gaelscoileanna are having special difficulties in substitute teachers. In addition, lack of substitutes has meant that special education teachers were supervising in mainstream classes.
It is also believed that the shortage of substitute teachers will get worse over the coming months. Winter flu and other illnesses should lead to an increase in absent teachers.
