Teacher Supply National Consultative Forum Meeting
24th May 2019 | News, What's New
CPSMA was represented at the Teacher Supply National Consultative Forum recently by General Secretary, Seamus Mulconry and Education Advisor, Paul O’Donnell. The Forum was organised jointly by the Teaching Council and the Department of Education and Skills (DES).The purpose of the meeting was to update stakeholders from the primary, secondary and third level institutions on the implementation of the Teacher Supply Action Plan, published by the DES in November 2018, and to consult on further strategies to alleviate the teacher supply issue.
The creation of pilot supply panels was welcomed by CPSMA, as well as engagement on student placement issues with the Teaching Council and Higher Education Institutes. The ongoing strain on school principals to find substitute teachers and the impact on teaching and learning time were highlighted as ongoing difficulties.
Additional points outlined included the need for increased administration time for teaching principals, and the full restoration of posts of responsibility to retain experienced teaching staff.
Following receipt of the feedback from the groups present, the Department of Education and Skills has committed to the publication of an updated Action Plan on this issue.
CPSMA General Secretary, Seamus Mulconry said that “the issue of teacher supply is of ongoing concern to CPSMA member schools. CPSMA look forward to continuing to engage with the Department of Education and Skills to resolve this ongoing crisis”.
