A primary school principals’ leader says schools in the north west are now among those who find themselves in what he called ‘a perfect storm’ when it comes to trying to find substitute teachers to fill vacancies.
This is due to a number of factors: more young teachers going to work abroad, more pupils leading to increased demand, and a drop in the numbers applying for teacher-training courses.
The Irish Primary Principals’ Network has a membership of more than 6,000 principals and deputy principals,
All are struggling with the teacher shortage.
The Network’s president, Mayoman David Ruddy, has been telling Ocean FM’s Harry Keaney what the exact situation is in the north west this week, as schools reopen after Christmas.
And Mr Ruddy says things are not going to improve anytime soon.
He says there may be one partial solution for some schools in the north west:
And that was the president of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network, David Ruddy, talking to Harry Keaney.
