While there is justified concern over the shortage of teachers in South Africa, it is ironical that the Department of Education is reluctant to re-employ teachers who, although having opted for voluntary severance packages, are prepared to re-enter the education system, realising that their calling is in education.
Admittedly, there is a decided shortage of mathematics and science teachers in our country. But are we to believe that there are adequately qualified teachers to facilitate teaching and learning in the other learning areas? Surely there are several qualified teachers who, although having taken the voluntary severance package, would be prepared to re-enter the education system.
They would be able to teach maths and science, at least in the primary and junior secondary phases, laying a foundation for learners who wish to pursue these subjects at senior level. Their re-employment would ease the skills shortage in the other learning areas as well.
At a national policy conference on teacher training and development convened by the Department of Education in Midrand in October (“We can’t afford silence”, M&G October 26) delegates were told of the disturbingly low numbers of teachers entering the profession. While more than 30 000 new teachers are needed a year, only about 5 000 are entering the profession.
If we are serious about addressing the shortage of teachers, should we not begin with the re-employment of those who have taken early retirement as part of a possible solution? There is no harm in reviewing our policies if education in our country benefits. Siva Moodley, Pretoria