In just the first five weeks of the current school term, approximately 750 unqualified individuals have been employed to cover short-term absences, according to a new survey of primary schools.
The lack of qualified teachers is becoming a growing crisis for schools, as they struggle to recruit and retain staff.
Schools have had to resort to hiring individuals not registered with the Teaching Council to ensure that classes are covered, although this is only intended as a temporary solution.
Teaching union INTO, warn that the situation is likely to deteriorate further in the coming months, putting additional strain on already overburdened schools.
The impact of this shortage on the quality of education is becoming a significant concern.
Principals are calling on the government to take immediate steps to address the recruitment crisis, including offering better pay and working conditions for teachers.
