IPPN

Last Updated: Monday, 26 July 2010 17:25

Twenty-three primary schools nationwide have had to advertise the position of principal a second time in recent months, due to a lack of applications from aspirant leaders. Nineteen schools have been forced to re-advertise the position an unprecedented three times to secure an adequate number of suitably qualified applicants.

Figures released today (Thursday, 22nd July 2010) by the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN) based on their recruitment website, EducationPosts.ie, indicate that an increasing number of class teachers are shunning the position of principal in many schools. July is normally the busiest time of the year for recruitment in schools nationwide.

‘There have been 161 principal positions advertised since January on EducationPosts.ie and the number of schools forced to re-advertise the position of principal has risen by a staggering 54% in the last two months alone’ stated Pat Goff, IPPN President.  Almost half of the schools forced to re-advertise are in counties of major population growth such as Dublin and Galway.  Three schools are on record as having advertised for a principal on four separate occasions.

Gerry Murphy, Deputy President of the organisation stated ‘the reluctance to apply for principalship in schools is based on a number of factors including excessive workload, the dual role of teaching a class and managing a school, and the absence of a proper step-down process for outgoing principals. Eight years ago there was an average of six applicants per advertised post, but this has dropped to less than two in recent years’.

However, in a recent IPPN survey, job satisfaction in the role scored highly with 76.4% of the 400 principals surveyed stating that they greatly enjoyed their work. Mr Goff, IPPN President, considers this satisfaction rating can improve further if Principals can avail of a ‘step-down’ facility or be given the opportunity of taking up a support teaching role in their schools.

ENDS