North-east schools are actively seeking qualified teachers amid a nationwide shortage.
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Schools across the north-east of Scotland are facing significant challenges in recruiting qualified teachers, with numerous vacancies currently advertised. Both Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council are actively seeking educators across a wide range of specialties, including music, mathematics, English, home economics, and modern languages.
This recruitment drive highlights a pressing issue that extends beyond the local area, reflecting a nationwide shortage of teachers.
Current vacancies and recruitment efforts
As of now, there are 18 teaching positions available in Aberdeen and 27 in Aberdeenshire, all listed on <a href=" The roles encompass not only classroom teachers but also supply teachers, guidance counselors, and even a headteacher position at Mintlaw Academy.
The urgency of filling these roles is underscored by the fact that teacher shortages are not confined to the north-east; hundreds of educators are needed across Scotland to address the gaps in the education system.
Specific needs in Aberdeenshire schools
In Aberdeenshire, the demand for teachers in critical subjects such as mathematics, English, and home economics is particularly acute. A spokesperson for Aberdeenshire Council acknowledged that recruitment remains a significant challenge, stating, “We are doing our utmost to meet the challenge through a generous relocation incentive scheme to potential teachers and running a nationally acclaimed teacher probationer programme.” This proactive approach aims to attract new talent to the region, emphasizing the benefits of working in Aberdeenshire, including a favorable work-life balance and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives.
Schools in need of immediate support
Among the schools facing the most pressing need for teachers is Banchory Academy, which currently has seven job listings. These include positions for two English teachers, a mathematics teacher, a physics teacher, a modern languages teacher, a home economics teacher, and a physical education teacher. The ongoing recruitment efforts reflect a broader trend, as many educators tend to seek new opportunities during the summer months, leading to a typical spike in vacancies at this time of year.
Aberdeen City Council has also noted that the recruitment of teachers is a common occurrence during this period. A spokesperson remarked, “The vacancies currently being recruited for are indicative of staff looking to make a move over summer, which is usual at this time of year.” This cyclical nature of teacher recruitment underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to attract and retain qualified educators in the region.
