LISTEN: Highland MSP speaks out about 'teacher crisis' in Moray
A Highland MSP is calling on Moray Council to do more to help attract new teachers to the area.
A Highland MSP is calling on Moray Council to do more to help attract new teachers to the area.
More than 30 posts need to be filled before that start of the new school term, but the local authority says it’s having trouble filling them, with subjects including physics and home economics proving to be the hardest spots to fill in secondary schools.
The council recently teamed up with the University of Highland sand Islands to try and keep more graduates here in the North once they finish their training.
But Labour politician Rhoda Grant says it’s about more than that:
She added: “I am aware of the efforts of the Local Authority and its partners to attract teachers to Moray. They are now working in partnership with UHI to help train teaching staff. The Local Authority are also working in partnership with a developer with regards finding suitable accommodation for teachers and after my last intervention, the Teaching Council for Scotland have given the green light for teachers not trained in Scotland to work in schools in Moray, whilst they attain the required qualification standard. That said, there is still a teacher shortage.
“I have written to the Chief Executive of Moray Council today, seeking reassurance that a culture exists within Moray schools that gives new and established teachers a clear career development path, lots of support and recognition and the opportunity to play a full part in the success of their school. I am wondering if the whole package is missing a key ingredient and if so, what is that key ingredient? Moray is a great place to live, work and visit, so I can only assume there is something missing from what is on offer. Perhaps it is even financial. Is enough funding set aside to address this crisis?”