Press blamed for teacher recruitment crisis

A SENIOR councillor has claimed “adverse publicity in the press” is to blame for a teacher recruitment crisis.

The suggestion came as councillors in Angus locked horns over the issue.

Montrose Lib Dem member David May said it was “really worrying” that so many posts were being advertised in the area.

Mr May’s comments followed an update at Angus Council’s children and learning committee on the staffing situation.

He said: “A few months ago, at this committee, I highlighted my view that many Angus schools were in crisis as far as staffing was concerned. The situation is now even worse than it was then.

“What makes the position even worse is the fact that after advertising for some posts, there were no applicants.”

Committee convener Sheena Welsh laid the blame for the recruitment crisis at the door of the press.

“There’s too much adverse publicity for teaching in general in the press,” she said.

“They keep knocking schools, knocking children and then we wonder why there is a teacher shortage. If you are always reading adverse publicity about teaching, do you want to join that profession?”

Mrs Welsh went on to urge the press to be a “little bit more positive in their reporting of what goes on in our schools”.

“We are all aware there are teacher vacancies and we are doing our best to fill these vacancies,” she added.

Arbroath Academy received no applicants for an English post, while a similar English teacher job was advertised at Arbroath High School and again received no applicants.

There were no applicants for a physics post at Brechin High, while Carnoustie High continues to be unsuccessful in securing a computer teacher.