House prices impact schools

Auckland’s house prices, an ageing population and falling university enrolments are contributing to a teacher shortage crisis in the super city, according to a Massey University study.

Massey University Institute of Education tutor, Graham Jackson said primary schools are the ones in trouble.

He found over 12,500 teachers in primary schools last year were aged between 55 and 64, with just under 9500 teachers aged between 25 and 34 to replace them when they retire.

‘‘The teacher workforce is an ageing one, with increasing numbers facing retirement in the next five years,’’ he said.

‘‘According to simple math there will be a shortfall of around 3000 teachers in 10-15 years when all the older age group have retired,’’ Jackson said.

‘‘And if you look at the whole age range from 65 down, there’s a definite fall off of numbers all down the line.’’

He said the impending retirement issue was exacerbated because young teachers are moving out of Auckland because it’s unaffordable.

‘‘Nurses, teachers and other people in those income groups have been moving out because of the house prices.’’

Falling university enrolments are also in the mix, and are expected to fall by 5000 students in 2017, he said.

Head of Early Learning and Student Achievement at the Ministry of Education, Lisa Rodgers, said teacher supply fluctuates over time but there are currently enough staff in Auckland.

‘‘They just aren’t necessarily in the places or subjects we need them in.’’

She said initiatives like expanding the Teach First NZ programme, bringing overseas-based New Zealand teachers home and recruiting overseas teachers are part of the plan to help plug the gaps.

‘‘As the general population ages we are also seeing a change in retirement patterns, with employees, including teachers, staying in the workforce well past 65.

‘‘Our figures show the number of teachers aged over 65 is increasing.’’

Go to massey.ac.nz for more.