Shortage of teachers compounded by the fact that teachers are taking up attractive terms in NZ - Burchell

The Permanent Secretary for Education, Alison Burchell says the shortage of teachers is being compounded by the fact that teachers are taking up attractive terms in New Zealand.

The Ministry of Education is facing a shortage of teachers in the field of Maths, Science and Primary Teaching and Special Education.

She says she has had discussions with her colleagues in New Zealand but freedom of association, freedom of movement and freedom to earn a living will trump that.

She says more scholarships needs to be offered in subjects that have a shortage of teachers.

She added that the ministry is also trying to persuade teacher training institutions to not take in students who want to take up the subjects that have a surplus of teachers.

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