In March, the CAO released the 2018 application data up until the change of course choices, which closed on March 1. These figures shows the popularity and demand for teaching-related courses, with both primary and secondary level teaching courses showing a rise of 8% and 4%, respectively. However, the popularity shown in this year’s CAO is a positive aspect in a sector that is surrounded by challenges.

The last few weeks has highlighted many issues around teaching that have been brewing for several years now.

A number of policies – such as harsh austerity measures implemented in the height of Ireland’s recession – have led both directly and indirectly to a teacher shortage grown sharply in recent years.

Fall in applications

For secondary teaching, numbers have fallen significantly from 2011 to 2017 for those applying for third-level courses.

This trend is also seen by Hibernia, the primary and post-primary teacher education college.

Its CEO, David Carpenter, confirmed that while numbers applying for both secondary and primary teaching with Hibernia are strong, the economic improvement in the private sector has created challenges in attracting post-primary teaching students.

“Everybody has seen a drop-off in numbers applying for second-level teaching, and this is driven predominantly by macroeconomics. As the economy has picked up in the last number of years, more graduates – especially in foreign languages and STEM subjects – are being attracted into the private sector,” Hibernia’s chief explained.

Similarly cautious sentiments on the industry are being echoed by the various unions representing teachers. The last few weeks have seen the numerous challenges highlighted by all three unions, particularly with regard to the pay dispute. However, this is one of numerous challenges facing the sector. Irish Country Living looks at six challenges having a profound effect on the sector currently.

1The pay gap

One of the greatest issues – and certainly the most publicised – facing teachers is the pay gap. Currently, those teachers who qualified post 2010 are earning €4,000 to €5,000 a year less than those qualified before 2010. On average, entrants to teaching after 2010 will earn up to €100,000 less over the course of their careers than those pre-2010. These teachers have also spent €13,000 acquiring their professional master’s in education (PME), which is now two years instead of one.

2Salary & contracts

While the starting salary for teachers is currently €36,000, this can vary. This is the starting salary for teachers on a full-time, permanent contract. However, a RedC poll instigated by the ASTI found that just 34% of teachers, who qualified post-2010 were in full-time posts. ASTI’s deputy general secretary Diarmaid de Paor explained that many teachers start off on a fixed-term contract or receive hourly wages, which does not offer job security, and the wages can be far less than €36,000. This can lead to uncertainty for those wishing to seek a mortgage, obtain loans or pay rent. By October 2020, the starting salary will be €37,692, the department confirmed.

3The pull abroad

Since 2011, there has been a considerable number of Irish heading to the United Arab Emirates to teach. One of the major attractions in doing so is the substantially higher wages compared to in Ireland. While the salary earned abroad can vary, figures in the region of between €3,000 and €5,000 per month have been quoted, with factors depending on accommodation influencing this. Evidently, this is drawing more people to teach abroad.

4returning

For a teacher returning to Ireland after a spell teaching abroad, gaining recognition for the experienced gained is an issue. According to the ASTI, there is no formal recognition for a teacher who teaches in a private college outside the EU. When these teachers return, they do not move up the scale, and this is a deterrent for many, de Paor says.

5Staying in teaching

While the demand for secondary teaching has increased 8% in terms of CAO applications this year, numbers going into secondary teaching have been challenging over the last number of years, with a 62% reduction in applications in second-level teaching applications from 2011 to 2017. Hibernia’s Carpenter, believes the upturn in the economy has played a big role in this, with the demand for jobs in the private sector rising. Those coming out of university with a degree in certain subjects may be valuable to the private sector. For this reason, students weighing up what they could earn in teaching compared to the private sector are choosing the latter based on salary.

6Gaps in subjects

Currently, the sector is crying out for teachers in subjects such as maths, the sciences, certain languages and home economics. While CAO figures show an increase, the challenge lies in keeping these graduates in teaching after they graduate. As mentioned above, attractions elsewhere in the private sector have encouraged many to choose alternative paths to teaching.

Department view

In a statement to Irish Country Living, a spokesperson for the Department of Education and Skills said: “The Government is acutely aware of the concerns which exist in relation to disparities in pay between more established workers and those who entered the public service since 2011.”

The statement continued: “Discussions on pay equalisation will take place on 27 April, with the parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020.”

The outcome of these discussions will be eagerly awaited by ASTI, TUI and INTO, with all unions to evaluate the conclusions after discussions end.