Programme for Government won’t tackle teacher shortage crisis, says ASTI

The Programme for Government contains little to no detail on how Ireland’s teacher shortage crisis will be tackled, ASTI General Secretary Kieran Christie said today.

“The Programme for Government fails to provide a real commitment to addressing the teacher shortage crisis. This is despite the fact that recruiting and retaining teachers is now the number one threat to our education system,” said Mr Christie.

“While additional supports for student teachers will always be welcome, the fact is many qualified teachers are leaving the country for a more sustainable working life abroad.”

Mr Christie said that the Programme for Government is a lost opportunity to make second-level teaching a more attractive career.

“Second-level schools are under-resourced. Teachers face too-large class sizes and the resulting heavy workload. An overloading of new initiatives and programmes without adequate funding has damaged teacher morale. Newly qualified teachers are struggling to get secure contracts and affordable accommodation.”

The ASTI leader also said the Programme does not acknowledge serious problems with the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Programme despite the fact that 30,000 second-level staged protests to highlight their concerns last November.

Mr Christie said he awaited full details on commitments to improve funding, students’ access to guidance services in schools, and supports for students with additional educational needs.