NASUWT comments on the expansion of teacher training places in Scotland

Commenting on the announcement by Education Secretary John Swinney that two universities in Edinburgh are to offer teacher training from 2019, Chris Keates, NASUWT General Secretary, said:

“Whilst the announcement of increased capacity for teacher training is welcome, simply expanding the number of places will not address the growing crisis in teacher supply.

“Teaching has to be made more attractive by addressing the deep concerns of teachers about their workload and working conditions. 

“Pay levels have to be made more competitive with other comparable graduate professions.

“Until these fundamental issues are addressed, this announcement can only be considered as ‘fiddling while Rome burns.’”