The next Stormont administration must act urgently to address the growing crisis in the teaching profession, representatives at the NASUWT Annual Conference have warned.

The NASUWT is the largest teachers’ union in Northern Ireland and the warning comes as voters prepare to go to the polls in May for the Stormont elections.

The life chances of generations of children and young people will be seriously damaged if the attacks on teachers’ pay and working conditions continue and the issues of teacher wastage and area planning are not addressed, the Conference, which is being held in Birmingham, has heard. 

Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, said:

“Teachers in Northern Ireland are reeling from school reorganisation, curriculum change, deep cuts to pay, deterioration in their conditions of service and widespread job loss.

“Uncertainty hangs almost permanently over the heads of teachers and principals as the education system lurches from one crisis to another.

“Representatives have today set out in the motion their expectations.

“Teachers’ dedication and commitment has for too long been taken for granted.  Experienced teachers are being lost to the profession and talented graduates, trained at public expense, are unable to find a permanent job in their chosen career.

“The next administration in Stormont faces a turbulent time if these concerns remain unaddressed.”

Justin McCamphill, NASUWT National Official Northern Ireland, said:

“Teachers are frustrated and angry at the failure of politicians to address their real and deep concerns.

“Investment in the teaching workforce is an investment in the future of Northern Ireland and its children and young people. Politicians need to come to terms with this.”