Finding specialist teachers not unique problem for the island
GUERNSEY is facing some ‘challenges’ in the recruitment of teachers, the director of Education has said.
Nick Hynes highlighted in particular recruitment of subject-specific secondary school teachers, and issues for teachers interested in Guernsey roles finding suitable housing once they look to move to the island.
The States is looking to fill a number of teaching positions, including a head teacher and deputy head roles.
In all there are more than a dozen vacancies being advertised, including secondary teachers of science, maths, English, art, modern foreign languages, food technology, ICT/computing and geography to start in September – or sooner if possible. Primary school teachers are also being sought.
In addition, the States has advertised for an assistant head teacher and a science teacher for Les Voies from September and a deputy head teacher at La Mare De Carteret Primary School from September.
For St Anne’s School in Alderney, a head teacher, a design and technology teacher from 25 April and a primary teacher from September are being sought. The States is also looking to recruit supply teachers.
‘I think it’s important to clarify that education specifically has not experienced any wholesale recruitment issues in terms of receiving applications,’ said Mr Hynes.
‘Where there are challenges at the moment is the recruitment to some subject-specific posts within the secondary sector. But we are not alone in this respect and know that appointing to areas such as science is an issue across all jurisdictions.
‘Other issues which are not specific to education, are the difficulties we experience with prospective staff coming to the island and finding suitable housing. This is a challenge for all sectors in the island.’
Mr Hynes said that there had been ‘healthy’ interest in teaching positions advertised in local schools. He said that positive news about the Bailiwick’s handling of Covid could have made a difference.
‘Where we do have a specific issue, which is something I’ve spoken about publicly before, is around a shortage of supply teachers, and we are developing short- and long-term plans to help alleviate this.’
