Ukraine is short 1,700 teachers — Lisovyi
There are currently 1,700 officially open teaching positions in Ukraine’s general secondary education institutions.
Despite the availability of open positions, there is currently no catastrophic shortage of teaching staff nationwide.
This was stated by Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, in an interview with Radio Liberty.
According to him, the 1,700 vacant positions published are only official data from the State Employment Service, but the actual situation may differ somewhat.
The minister noted that not all educational institutions promptly and fully publish information about available positions.
The greatest difficulties in recruiting staff are currently being reported in rural areas and small towns.
“The situation is worst in under-enrolled schools. Therefore, communities must review their network [of educational institutions] in light of student enrollment,” the official explained.
The relevant ministry also identified a list of subjects for which Ukrainian educational institutions are currently having the most difficulty finding teachers.
According to Oksen Lisovyi, there is a severe shortage of teachers for science, English, computer science, mathematics, as well as Ukrainian language and literature.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that young professionals in these fields often choose to work in other sectors of the economy.
To ensure the continuity of the educational process amid staff shortages, the administration of many lyceums and gymnasiums is forced to make compromises.
Lisovyi added that schools often address the shortage of teachers by redistributing hours among the teachers already on staff. In other words, current staff members take on additional responsibilities in related subjects.
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