ABSTRACT
The past 50 years have predominantly been a period of teacher shortages, interspersed with limited periods when there have been more than enough teachers to meet the demands from schools. These shortages have been more obvious in the secondary school sector. Generally, schools have faced fewer staffing problems when the wider economy has been weak and pupil numbers in decline. A buoyant labour market for graduates, increasing pupil numbers and the creation of an international market for teachers have all resulted in challenging periods of teacher recruitment for schools.
This chapter looks at the changes in the labour market for teachers through the lens of someone who has chronicled the changes in demand for teachers and school leaders for the past 40 years. During that time, the way in which teachers are prepared for careers in teaching has altered, with employers once again taking a larger role in the process.
Government planning for teacher numbers, mostly managed through numbers permitted to train as a teacher, has varied in approach from detailed central planning to a more market-based approach. The present position is one of a mixed economy that remains more reactive to events than determined to ensure sufficient teachers are in the places needed and able to teach the subjects and phases of education required.
