Three in four teachers welcome overseas candidates to fill teacher shortages

An overwhelming 71% of UK teachers who responded to a recent poll believe that overseas teachers cou

Three in four teachers welcome overseas candidates to fill teacher shortages

London, UK, 10 August 2006 An overwhelming 71% of UK teachers who responded to a recent poll believe that overseas teachers could help alleviate the teacher shortage in the UK for particular subjects.

The poll, conducted by education recruitment specialist Select Education, asked teachers whether they would welcome the recruitment of qualified overseas teachers to fill the shortage of teachers in certain subjects. Only 29% said they wouldn't, believing that it would only act as a quick fix and was not a long-term solution to a large and ongoing problem.

However, the majority of respondents favoured the inclusion of more overseas teachers in the education system, with some actively encouraging the move as an opportunity for culture sharing and fresh ideas and approaches. The overriding viewpoint was that teaching posts should be given to the best qualified teacher, regardless of which country they come from.

Respondents also drew parallel with the past government strategy which turned to overseas medical staff overseas to fulfil skills shortages in the NHS. Poll respondents felt that this had proved to be successful overall and could be replicated for UK education with equal success.

Agreement that recruitment of overseas teachers was a positive move did come with two conditions however. Firstly, it was felt that this should not be at the expense of employing and encouraging home grown talent, with this remaining a priority. Teachers were also adamant that it was important not to attract teachers from developing countries, where they are already experiencing skills shortages problems of their own.

John Dunn, Director at Select Education comments: 'It is encouraging that UK teachers recognise the value of sourcing overseas to help fill current skills gaps in the UK. However, it is essential that overseas teachers are given an environment in which they can flourish, increase their language skills and gain confidence with the UK culture, curriculum and pupil behavioural patterns.

'Maths and Sciences, where skills shortages are prominent, could benefit immensely from an influx of a highly skilled workforce. This sort of penetration could also benefit schools that are aiming for specialist schools' status in a subject.'