Record numbers of qualified teachers are working across Ireland. Despite this, more than 1,800 teaching posts have been left empty in the past year, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area.
A Department of Education review of teacher payroll in March found there were 1,847 vacant posts across schools, particularly at primary level, where many schools are employing unqualified individuals without teaching qualifications to substitute.
However, 79,000 qualified teachers were employed during the past academic year – the highest number on record.
With record numbers of teachers employed in Ireland and a healthy supply of graduates coming down the pipeline, it begs the question: why are so many posts vacant? And what are the knock-on effects for students?
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The endlessly rising cost of housing in the capital city and surrounding commuter belt areas has left teachers struggling to find a place to live, says The Irish Times’ Education Editor Carl O’Brien.
The Department of Education has introduced a number of temporary measures aimed at boosting teacher supply, but is it enough? Is it time for other Government departments, such as housing and the office of the Taoiseach, to play their part in ending this crisis?
Today, on In The News, we ask why so many schools are struggling to find teachers.
Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.
