Secondary schools to be short of maths teachers?

Press, 20 October 1987, Page 17

Secondary schools to be short of maths teachers?

New Zealand secondary schools are likely to be short of about 70 qualified mathematics teachers next year. More than 100 vacancies have been advertised so far for next year, and only 30 Christchurch Teachers College trainees will be graduating in mathematics. Even

allowing for Auckland graduates, and some from outposts, there would still be a serious shortage of mathematic, said the principal of Christchurch Teachers College, Dr Colin Knight. Vacancies for secondary school mathematics positions are now being advertised in the “Education Gazette,” and 111 vacancies were shown on October 1. There were 62 vacancies for senior mathematics teachers (specifically university bursary and university scholarship). Other vacancies were: 22 for mathematics with no other supporting subject,

and 27 for mathematics teachers with another subject Next year Christchurch Teachers College has approval to retrain 10 junior school mathematics teachers. A 200-hour course will give them the skills for senior school mathematics teaching. Trainees who enter college with mathematics qualifications may next year be paid more than some other trainees. The extra payment, called a Recruitment Incentive Allowance, is now being considered by colleges and other groups, and would apply to trainees in some other shortage areas, such as economics.