Substitute Teacher Shortage
- Published: 10 November 2017
The continuing challenge of accessing substitute teachers is very much occupying the minds of you, our members and the leadership of IPPN. In many ways we are presented with a perfect storm. The peaking of pupil demographics, the impact of the transition of the BEd from 3 to 4 years, the appointment of over 2,000 extra teachers and the exodus of newly qualified teachers abroad have all contributed to this situation.
IPPN has highlighted the critical shortage of substitute cover with our Partners in Education. Recommendations that have been put forward include:
- Increasing the number of days that teachers on Career Break can provide substitute cover
- Greater flexibility for teachers who are job-sharing to provide substitute cover
- Encouraging retirees to re-register with the Teaching Council
In referring to DES Circular 0031/2011 ‘Teacher Recruitment, Registration and Qualifications’, Sections 4 and 6 are particularly relevant. Failing the sourcing of fully qualified registered teachers, school leaders are attempting to source conditional registered teachers, retired teachers, or unregistered persons in exceptional circumstances to cover short-term absences. The recruitment of unregistered persons is permissible to prevent school closure, safeguarding the welfare of pupils, or is deemed necessary to maintain provision in the school. Section 6.2 (2) states ‘The person proposed for appointment is competent and capable of acting in a teaching capacity in the school.’
It is critical that all substitutes are vetted and that Declarations and Letters of Undertaking are in place prior to commencement of employment in accordance with DES Circular 0031/2016.
