The Ministry of Education has introduced secondary school graduates to teach at the primary level in response to 580 vacant primary school teacher positions while new teacher recruits are being looked at to become proficient in areas like teaching physics in secondary schools.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News on what is being done to fill the 580 vacant positions, Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro says the Ministry cannot prevent individuals from seeking better-paying opportunities outside the education sector.
Radrodro says while the Ministry has consistently addressed these staffing challenges, it remains an ongoing issue and they are making every effort to fill the vacancies and also providing necessary training for those willing to continue as primary school teachers.
The Minister of Education also highlighted the collaboration with the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service in interviewing and recruiting teachers from training institutions.
Radrodro agreed that there is a need for more resources in STEM subjects, particularly physics, and expressed a commitment to directing new teacher recruits towards becoming proficient in these areas.
He says the current shortage and high demand for STEM subject teachers is a priority the Ministry is actively addressing.
Radrodro adds he is still awaiting an updated figure on the number of secondary school teachers who have left the profession.
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