THE shortage of teachers is a global problem to which Fiji is not immune, says Education Minister Aseri Radrodro.
He told the 132nd Fiji Principals Association conference in Nadi this week that developed countries offered more lucrative remuneration packages that attracted teachers from Fiji.
“Addressing teacher shortages in our schools requires a multifaceted approach that focuses on improving recruitment selection and overall drop satisfaction,” Mr Radrodo said.
“Fiji’s educational system faces a challenge in maintaining a strong teaching workforce.”
Mr Radrodro said despite these many challenges, the ministry was actively working to address staffing issues, recognising the importance of timely and efficient teacher placement.
“The ministry is focused on streamlining its recruitment and placement processes to ensure timely and efficient filling of vacant positions.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by association president Vishnu Sharma, who called on the ministry to streamline the process to address the issue in an expedited manner.
“While the FPA is fully aware of the teacher shortage, what baffles the FPA is the turnaround time it takes the ministry to replace teachers in subject areas where we have adequate teachers available and waiting in a queue,” Mr Sharma said.
“The delays in appointments have a direct impact on teaching and learning, affecting student performance.”
He called on the ministry to streamline the process to address the issue.
Mr Radrodro said that in January last year, the ministry started recruiting final-year students enrolled in diploma and bachelor courses from teacher training institutes.
“These final-year students fulfilled the requirements of the Fiji Teachers Registration Authority, including a $25 registration fee that limited the authority to teach and this is valid for a period of one year,” he said.
“Even graduates from USP with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood care and education (ECCE) are eligible to teach in lower primary from Year 1 to Year 3.”
