Teacher and school leader shortages remain significant, according to a letter from Minister Bruins and State Secretary Paul to the Dutch parliament. These shortages are evident in primary, secondary, and vocational education, with major cities facing the greatest challenges.
Although the number of lateral entrants—teachers transitioning from other careers—remains at a record high, the overall shortage persists. This year, primary schools are short of 7,700 full-time teachers, a reduction of over 2,000 from last year, attributed to temporary funding from the National Education Program to address COVID-19 educational setbacks.
However, this funding is expected to conclude at the end of the school year, leading to a potential increase in shortages. In secondary education, there is a continued demand for 3,800 full-time positions, particularly in subjects like mathematics, German, and Dutch due to declining interest among students to pursue teaching careers.
Vocational education faces a deficit of 900 to 1,400 full-time positions. To combat these shortages, the government plans to increase the number of lateral entrants and enhance the appeal of teacher training programs.
The Cabinet is developing education regions, collaborative networks to support the training and mentoring of new teachers and school leaders.
Source: NOS