What do parents think about the teacher shortage?.

What do parents think about the teacher shortage?.

Ask parents what the most decisive factor is for the quality of education and the answer is simple: the teacher. Parents are also worried about the increasing teacher shortage and the workload teachers experience. A third of the parents already deal with canceled lessons, crowded classes, or even a structural four-day school week. The vast majority of parents also support the strike demands of the teachers. This is shown by research from Ouders & Onderwijs among members of the Landelijk Ouderpanel.

Consequences For Children

Schools that face a teacher shortage and lack of substitutes mainly solve these problems by giving less lessons. In secondary schools many lessons are canceled, while in primary schools children are sent home. In other cases, classes are merged or unqualified people are put in the classroom. Some schools have already decided that children can only go to school four days a week. They get lessons at home from their parents on the fifth day, like in Zaandam. A group of parents from Zaandam has taken action because of this.

If We Do Nothing, It Will Get Much Worse

More than a third of parents notice the teacher shortage in practice. Predictions show that shortages will only increase in the coming years. If we do nothing, shortages will rise to 5000 full-time equivalents in the next five years.

What Do Parents Want To Happen?

There is broad support among parents for education’s call for less workload and higher salary. 80% of parents support these demands. This is shown by research by Ouders & Onderwijs among members of the Landelijk Ouderpanel. However, the emergency solutions chosen by schools do not always receive appreciation. Parents do not want classes to become bigger and also do not think it is a good idea to take on teaching tasks themselves. In case of emergency, schools should try to get qualified teachers in the class, like retired teachers. Asking teachers to work more hours is seen as a short-term solution too.

Structurally, parents think more money must come for education. They also find it important to improve the image of the teacher. The extra money must be spent on higher salaries and a free teacher training.

Parents In Action

More and more parents want to actively contribute to the social debate about the teacher shortage and the demands of the teachers. Due to the great involvement of parents, Lobke Vlaming, director of Ouders & Onderwijs, will also go to Malieveld on March 15 to ask attention for the teacher shortage. We invite parents to join us. Parents can also sign the Invest in Education petition.