Union highlights that teacher supply crisis has existed at second level for many years and says different rates for pre- and post-2011 teachers ‘deeply disappointing’  

By piofficer, Monday, 29th November 2021 | 0 comments

TUI notes emergency arrangements announced to tackle teacher shortage crisis 

Union highlights that teacher supply crisis has existed at second level for many years and says different rates for pre- and post-2011 teachers ‘deeply disappointing’  

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) notes the emergency measures announced today by the Department of Education (Information Note 0026/2021 and Information Note SD 0002/2021) to help tackle the teacher shortage crisis in second level schools.  

Measures include a temporary emergency substitution arrangement and increased involvement of student teachers and retired teachers.  

The union welcomes the measures as a necessary addition but has described as ‘deeply disappointing’ the fact that there will be a different rate for those appointed from 2011 onwards for the emergency substitution arrangement. In this regard, TUI has once more signalled its intention to make further significant progress on eliminating pay discrimination through the sectoral bargaining element of the Building Momentum agreement.  

The Union has said that where additional supports are identified by schools, these must also be provided.   

The Union also highlighted that prior to the pandemic, there was already a teacher supply crisis at second level that the Department failed to address.   

Speaking today, TUI General Secretary Michael Gillespie said: 

‘The TUI regards the temporary emergency measures announced today as a necessary addition to the measures already in place. 

Despite the phenomenal work of all in school communities, schools are struggling due to the challenges posed by the high number of positive COVID-19 cases around the country. In order to remain open to students, schools urgently need access to the additional source of substitution - on a temporary, without precedent basis - that the measures provide. 

It is important that participation in the temporary emergency substitution arrangement is voluntary. Each teacher has a choice. Those who, for whatever reason, would have concerns about engaging in the additional substitution work cannot and will not be required to do so. Those who wish to participate will be paid the appropriate professional rate for the work. 

In this regard, it is deeply disappointing that there is a different rate depending on whether a teacher was appointed before or after 2011, but we are committed to securing significant further progress on the overarching issue of pay discrimination through the sectoral bargaining element of the Building Momentum agreement.’  

Department must show flexibility and willingness to act swiftly  

‘The TUI continues to monitor very carefully the evolving situation in our schools and is committed to protecting the health and welfare of our members, our students, their families, their school communities and the broader community. 

We will continue to engage with members and will bring forward details of any additional resources or measures that they identify as being of value in keeping schools open to the Department. In this regard, the Department must match the colossal efforts of those in school communities by showing flexibility and a willingness to act swiftly.  

Anecdotally, we are hearing from our members that delays in accessing PCR tests around the country and delays in carrying out Public Risk Assessments are exacerbating current difficulties in schools.’  

Nothing new in teacher supply crisis  

‘Of course, it would be remiss of us not to highlight that there was already a teacher recruitment and retention crisis before schools ever had to deal with the additional challenges of COVID-19. This genesis of this crisis can be traced back to imposition by Government of the two-tier system of pay discrimination on those employed from 2011 onwards. Teacher recruitment and retention problems will continue at second level until this is resolved.’ 

A survey carried out by TUI’s Principals’ and Deputy Principals Association in September found that: 

  • 98% of schools experienced teacher recruitment difficulties in the previous six months and 66% had experienced teacher retention difficulties
     
  • 75% of schools advertised positions in the previous six months for which no teacher applied while 72% had unfilled vacancies due to recruitment and retention difficulties
     
  • 75% said that recruitment and retention difficulties have become more severe since COVID-19 was first detected in Ireland 
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