The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Free refresher tempting teachers back to school Education: Recruitment drive targets retired and career-break staff
Education bosses have turned to former teachers as part of their drive to recruit and keep educators in the region.
Highland Council is offering a free return-toteaching refresher course for retired or career-break teachers.
In common with other rural local authorities, the council faces a constant battle to recruit teachers at all levels. At the start of this academic year, the council slashed its teacher vacancy numbers from 65 in 2017 to 36, aided by the recruitment of 13 young graduate teachers from Canada on one-year contracts.
Nonetheless, there remain a number of empty posts at all levels, and attracting staff to the north remains complicated.
The free course is part of a mix of measures the council is using to tackle the problem. It is targeted at teachers who may have had a career break, recently moved to the area or are retired but feel they still would like to be involved at the chalkface.
A council spokeswoman said: “If you have had a break from teaching, are a retired teacher or are new to the area and are keen to apply for a teaching post or join the supply register that allows you to set your availability around your lifestyle and family commitments, come along refresh your skills and gain confidence, meet a head teacher, care and learning staff as well as new colleagues who are also returning to teaching in Highland.”
The course is designed to bring teachers up to speed with local policy, practice, pay and conditions.
Councillor Andrew Baxter, chairman of the council’s Care, Learning and Housing committee added: “This is an ideal chance for anyone who has had a break from teaching, who may have moved to live in the area or perhaps retired to come along and find out what opportunities there are in Highland.
“We are offering a full programme of support to anyone who feels they can use their knowledge and skills to encourage and inspire young people in our school communities.”
The course will be held in Inverness Royal Academy on Tuesday November 6 from 9am to 4pm. Places can be booked at staff. development@highland. gov.uk.