50% of new teachers are considering leaving Ireland for jobs abroad

Sophie Collins

According to a recent survey, over 50% of newly qualified teachers are considering leaving Ireland to pursue teaching positions overseas

According to Teachers’ Union of Ireland President, David Waters: “We need to keep these top-quality graduates [and] that means we have to have attractive terms and conditions.

“Unfortunately if you’re getting a bit-piece contract, there’s a lure of going abroad where places like Dubai can offer tax-free salaries and housing that the Irish Government can’t do. But what they can do is make sure people aren’t impoverished on their return.”

Published just yesterday, the survey sheds light on the primary factors driving teachers away from Ireland.

Among the top three reasons cited by teachers are disappointment with their current roles, the ability to save money abroad, and the challenges posed by Ireland’s ongoing accommodation crisis.

“But what they can do is make sure people aren’t impoverished on their return.”

Disturbingly, the survey also highlights the precarious nature of employment for many teachers in Ireland.

“Finland invests 7% of GDP annually into education, we don’t even do half that – it’s shameful really”
TUI President, David Waters

Only 35% of the surveyed TUI members, comprising over 700 recently qualified teachers, secured full-time contracts.

A mere 12% were offered permanent positions outright, showing the level of uncertainty plaguing the profession.

The TUI has emphasised the indispensable role teachers play beyond the confines of traditional classroom instruction.

According to Waters: “Finland invests 7% of GDP annually into education, we don’t even do half that – it’s shameful really.

“If we want to improve our education system – and there’s lots of lofty ambitions – but really we need to reduce class sizes [and] you need to give teachers the adequate resources to be able to attend to each student’s needs.”

Additionally, concerns regarding the scarcity of leadership roles within schools and the escalating obstacles confronting today’s youth have emerged as pressing issues.

In response to these challenges, the TUI is advocating for comprehensive changes, including the provision of full-time positions upon initial appointment, the reinstatement of previously axed allowances, expanded career advancement opportunities, and recognition of teaching experience gained abroad.

“The survey shows significant, continuing involvement of teachers in voluntary extracurricular activities that benefit students,” Waters added.

“If we want to improve our education system… we need to reduce class sizes [and] you need to give teachers the adequate resources to be able to attend to each student’s needs.”