‘Fall in CAO applications for second level teaching of concern’ – TUI 

By piofficer, Tuesday, 9th March 2021 | 0 comments

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland has said that the fall in applications for second level teaching courses through the CAO reported this morning is of concern. The 8% drop in applications comes at a time when there is an overall rise in applicant numbers through the CAO system.

The union this morning said that there is already a teacher recruitment and retention crisis at second level and that this will continue until the pay discrimination which sees those appointed after 1st January 2011 earn less than their colleagues is finally resolved.

Speaking this morning, TUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie said:

‘TUI has consistently stated that there is a teacher recruitment and retention crisis in at second level largely as a result of pay discrimination, with schools struggling to attract teachers across a range of subject areas. In this regard, the drop in applications for second level teaching courses is of concern.

A survey carried out by the Union’s Principals and Deputy Principals’ Association last year in over 130 schools found that 97% of schools had experienced teacher recruitment difficulties in the previous six months. 49% had experienced teacher retention difficulties while 77% had advertised positions for which no teacher applied.

Of additional concern is the significant impending rise in student numbers at second level which will require the employment of large numbers of additional teachers in the coming years.

While much has been achieved in the campaign to end pay discrimination affecting those appointed after 1st January 2011, the largest differences in pay still occur in the early years of employment. In many cases, those who might previously have chosen teaching are now looking at different options, with schools in both urban and rural areas routinely struggling to attract applicants to fill vacant positions.

There is no doubt that teacher recruitment and retention problems inflict severe damage on the education system. Students miss out on subject choices and can experience a fractured service as a result of having several different teachers in particular subject areas. Clearly, ensuring that the profession remains attractive to the best graduates is of benefit to all.’


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