Students Concerned About Teacher Shortage

Irish Second Level Students Union Deeply Concerned About Growing Teacher Shortage in Schools 

The Irish Second Level Students' Union (ISSU) is concerned about the worsening teacher recruitment and retention crisis in Ireland’s second-level schools, as highlighted by the recent ASTI/RED C survey. The results reveal that 82% of schools had no applications for advertised teaching positions in the 2023/24 school year, underscoring a situation that demands urgent attention.

For students across the country, the impact of this crisis is being felt in every classroom. With 87% of schools unable to find substitute teachers, and 77% forced to employ non-qualified or casual teachers, the quality of education is deteriorating. This is particularly worrying as schools are being forced to reassign Special Education Needs (SEN) teachers to mainstream classes, stripping vital resources from our most vulnerable students.

ISSU Uachtarán, Jack McGinn, stated:

"Our education system is at a breaking point, and it is the students who are suffering the most. Teacher unions must be listened to, and their concerns around the profession must be addressed. Every day, we are witnessing the effects of this crisis - reduced subject offerings, larger class sizes, and a growing reliance on under-qualified staff. The learning experience we deserve is being compromised, and it is unacceptable."

The ISSU echoes the ASTI’s call for immediate and meaningful intervention from the Department of Education. The ISSU believes that current measures, described as "minimalist cosmetic interventions"  have not addressed the root causes of this crisis.

ISSU Oifigeach Oideachais, Emma Cox, continued:

“These statistics are evidence of the need for urgent change. The lack of a stable teaching workforce is not just a staffing issue; it is a direct threat to our education and future prospects. Students are receiving a less than adequate education - we should not have to carry the burden of the staffing crisis.