Concern on Probationary Teachers
I am greatly concerned by recently published statistics which reveal the extent of the challenge facing newly qualified teachers in finding work.
Statistics from the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s annual survey of newly qualified teachers say that the percentage of probationary staff from 2008/09 cohort who have gone on to obtain permanent posts is 30% compared to over 50% two years ago.
Over a quarter (26.5%) of teachers obtaining employment are working only on a supply basis and the percentage of qualified teachers unable to get any kind of teaching work has doubled over the last two years, to reach a record high of 13.5%.
These highly trained individuals are being left without any prospect of permanent or even temporary employment, with more and more having to resort to supply work.
These statistics will be greatly concerning to the 212 teaching graduates anticipated to enter their probationary year in Edinburgh this autumn especially given that Scottish Government statistics show that in February this year there were only twenty jobs available.
The increasing number of qualified teachers unable to find work is hugely disappointing - they should be in class rooms putting their training to good use and teaching our children. Instead they are being forced to waste their training, leave the country to teach or turn away from the profession.
These figures are the latest in a long line of high profile failures by the Scottish Government in the Education brief. They must take control of this situation now to ensure teachers can find work and to protect the quality of education in Scotland.