The Teacher Shortage in Ireland: How It Affects You, the Student

The Teacher Shortage in Ireland: How It Affects You, the Student

Ireland has prided itself on having one of the best education systems in the world. But behind this seemingly polished, peerless reputation, a crisis is unfolding. A crisis that directly impacts Leaving Cert students like you. The teacher shortage in Ireland has reached a breaking point. If you yourself have noticed classes being merged, teachers leaving mid-year, or fewer subject options, you’re already feeling the effects. But what exactly is causing this crisis, and what does it mean for your future?

You might be wondering why exactly this crisis is occurring. According to a survey conducted by Red C, which was commissioned by the ASTI and TUI, there are numerous factors causing this issue. A driving factor in this equation is the fact that 75% of schools received no applications for advertised teaching posts. This has led to over 400 vacant positions at the start of the 2024/25 school year. 

This fact is due to the ever-looming housing crisis and the increasingly attractive job opportunities abroad. 73% of principals say teachers are emigrating to get better-paid jobs abroad, and 66% of classroom teachers agree that pay in other careers is simply better. Moreover, 64% of classroom teachers say the cost of living is forcing them to emigrate, while 41% of principals say the cost of local accommodation makes it hard to attract teachers to their schools.

One of the many repercussions of this shortage of teaching personnel is the hiring of inexperienced and unqualified teachers—a desperate last-ditch attempt, if you will. 81% of principals reported hiring at least one unqualified teacher this year. This means students may be taught by someone who is not trained to deliver the curriculum and does not understand the complexity of the Leaving Cert marking scheme. This puts you at a disadvantage, especially in subjects where understanding the marking scheme is crucial for achieving high points.

As well as that, various subjects are being dropped in secondary schools across Ireland. Unfortunately, schools are simply struggling to offer the full range of subjects. Practical subjects, such as Home Economics, Woodwork, and Metalwork, and core subjects like Maths, Irish, and Foreign Languages, are the ones being the hardest hit.

On top of all that, almost 90% of schools reported situations where no substitute teachers were available, leading to merged classes or students left without instruction during crucial exam preparation periods. Or perhaps, alternatively, students could be taught by a revolving door of temporary teachers. This instability and inconsistency can be incredibly frustrating for students, especially during an already stressful period. When exams are looming, this is the last thing that students need. 

While the teacher shortage remains a pressing issue, students don’t have to face it alone. Our platform offers affordable online grinds with experienced tutors who specialise in Leaving Cert subjects. Access expertise within your subject on our platform, at an affordable price! Whether you need extra help in Maths, Irish, a foreign language, or any other subject, our tutors provide expert guidance tailored to you and your needs.

With access to qualified professionals, you can ensure you get the best support possible, helping you stay on track despite the challenges in schools. Our flexible, budget-friendly grinds allow you to receive personalised tuition to boost your confidence and exam performance.

The good news? There are ways to address this crisis, but they require real action from policymakers. Teachers and principals are calling for:

  1. Better Pay → Making teaching a competitive career choice again will help attract and retain skilled educators.

  2. Permanent Contracts for New Teachers → Many young teachers leave due to job insecurity. Offering more permanent positions could prevent this.

  3. More Support for Schools →  Increased administrative staff, financial managers, and more time for leadership roles could reduce burnout among principals and make schools run more smoothly.

  4. Addressing the Housing Crisis → Making housing more affordable would help keep teachers in Ireland instead of losing them to countries with lower living costs.

While the teacher shortage may feel like yet another obstacle in the Leaving Cert marathon, don’t panic just yet! Yes, the situation is frustrating—merged classes, missing teachers, and last-minute substitutes aren’t exactly ideal when you're trying to ace your exams. But the good news? You don’t have to go it alone.

That’s where we come in! Our online grinds platform, Empowering Me, connects you with experienced tutors who actually love their subjects (imagine that!). Whether it’s breaking down the mysteries of Maths, perfecting your Irish essay, or tackling that tricky History question, we’ve got you covered. Affordable, flexible, and tailored to your needs, our grinds ensure that no matter what’s happening in your school, your learning stays on track.

So while we all hope for better solutions from policymakers (affordable housing, anyone?), you can take control of your own education right now. Because at the end of the day, your future shouldn’t depend on whether your teacher sticks around—it should depend on you. And we’re here to help every step of the way!

References 

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