Maths teacher 'shortages' could open up new positions

May 08 2008

New opportunities for teaching in England and Wales could become available due to an apparent shortage of maths teachers.

Figures produced by Education Data Surveys (EDS) suggest that there will not be enough qualified maths teachers to fill the vacancies that have been advertised by schools in the public sector this year.

Despite the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) claiming that they are on target to fill the advertised positions, information indicates that it is likely that many schools could be left with a shortfall.

EDS found that 1,650 vacancies have already been advertised in 2008, maintaining that of the 2,000 maths teachers that will be trained this year, a proportion will drop-out, while others will take up positions at private schools.

Speaking to the BBC, the TDA said that it is "working hard" to produce incentives to attract more people with an interest in maths to the teaching profession.

The National Union of Teachers took part in a strike last month, protesting against teacher shortages in schools.

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