Teacher shortage data ‘not reflecting classroom reality’: MP

Concerns are growing over the accuracy of teacher shortage data, with Opposition MP Hem Chand saying official figures do not reflect what is happening in classrooms.

“The written response, it is incomplete from the Ministry of Education,” Mr Chand said.

He raised the issue after receiving a written parliamentary response from the Ministry of Education, which he said failed to clearly outline how many teachers were needed or the subject areas affected.

Mr Chand said the data appeared to show no shortages in secondary schools — a claim he disputes based on feedback from schools and parents.

“I am quite sure that there is teacher shortage in certain areas,” he said.

In response, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said the Ministry is working to improve how teacher data is collected and reported.

“The head of school is now legislated to hand in their reports in terms of the teacher forms that they usually need,” Mr Radrodro told this masthead yesterday.

“We will require them to submit regularly to allow for timely intervention of teacher needs.”

Mr Chand said he would raise the issue again in the next sitting of Parliament, as concerns persist over gaps between official data and realities on the ground.