For many, the job of teaching is considered a nice cushy number with plenty of holidays and benefits. However, it is actually a huge struggle to get secure, permanent employment, something that Niamh Mulville wants to highlight.
Niamh Mulville is a newly qualified teacher (NQT), but like many recent graduates, she has no job security whatsoever. And on top of this, NQTs who entered the profession post-2011 are on a lower pay scale than their older colleagues.
However, while speaking to MummyPages, Niamh expressed that pay is not her major concern - as it is getting plenty of media attention at the moment - but rather the fact that it is so difficult to get on the pay scale in the first place.
According to Niamh, the best that one can hope for at the moment is a few hours of subbing here and there – something that many teachers find themselves doing for years. In fact, it is such a huge problem, she believes, ultimately, it will affect the students, as less people will want to pursue a career in the education sector, and good teachers will leave.
For Niamh, who started her teaching career a little later in life, the lack of job security is putting her life on hold – you can’t get a mortgage if you’re not on a permanent contract, for instance: “How can I decide to start a family with that kind of insecurity hanging over my head?"
And if you are lucky enough to receive a contract early on in your career, it will probably only be a temporary one and most likely for part-time hours. Most teachers strive to earn a Contract of Indefinite Duration (CID), which is similar to a permanent contract, but you need to be with the school for a number of years – something that is extremely difficult to achieve as many move around trying to find secure work.
"The casualisation of the teaching profession affects the educational standards being offered in our schools, as good teachers are leaving to work elsewhere. In the long run it will cause a teacher shortage, as so many will leave the profession or go abroad."
However, that’s not to say that teaching is a profession that should be avoided. While she admits that it is a struggle, Niamh advises those who are passionate about the profession to stick it out – you will, hopefully, get the sought-after CID soon.
But what does she want to see being done?
Well, Niamh would like to see the student/ teacher ratio lowered as well as the Government applying pressure on schools: "Hopefully, the next Minister of Education will deal with it."
