Senior phase pupils are being disadvantaged by the growing number of lessons being taught by non-subject specialist teachers, members of NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, have argued.
Budgetary pressures and the impact of the recruitment and retention crisis in teaching are leading to more classes being taught by teachers who do not specialise in that subject.
Representatives at the Union’s Scotland Annual Conference in Glasgow have called for more robust data collection to accurately measure the number of lessons and pupils being affected, along with action to ensure senior phase pupils are being taught by subject specialists except in exceptional and limited circumstances.
Matt Wrack, NASUWT Acting General Secretary, said:
“While teachers work hard to deliver their best to pupils in all circumstances, parents and pupils have the right to expect that lessons will be led by a teacher trained in that subject, particularly in the senior phase when pupils are preparing for exams.
“Anecdotally, members are reporting that the use of non-subject specialist teachers is becoming more frequent, but without robust data collection it is impossible to accurately gauge the extent of the issue, which hampers the ability to tackle it.
“The use of non-specialist teachers is one facet of an escalating staffing crisis in our schools which is adversely affecting pupils’ education and further damaging the morale of a profession which is already overworked and under pressure.”
Mike Corbett, NASUWT Scotland National Official, said:
“We believe that budgetary pressures are forcing local authorities to reduce the number of permanent supply posts that would ensure subject specialists are available for long-term absence cover.
“Coupled with the ongoing impact of recruitment and retention challenges in teaching, this is leaving too many pupils without the specialist teachers they should be entitled to.
“Not only is this disadvantaging pupils, it is also an abuse of teachers who are being expected to teach outside the subject they are trained for.
“Teaching needs to be made an attractive career, and this is particularly vital in subject areas experiencing shortages such as Home Economics and Technical.”
