Teachers struggle to get jobs – despite teacher shortage

It is reported to be a shortage of qualified teachers. At the same time, qualified teachers experience that it is difficult to get a job. A cold shower for newly graduated teachers and an equation that both teachers and employers have difficulty solving.

» Updated: October 02 2024

» Published: August 07 2024

Teachers struggle to get jobs – despite teacher shortage
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg / TT

Part-time employment, substitute teaching, or working in a different location. This is everyday life for today's student teachers who are about to enter the labor market after their graduation, according to Adam Kedert, chairman of the Swedish Student Teachers' Association.

I've seen cases where people have had to take on different jobs in different municipalities with different principals to get the equivalent of a regular full-time job.

He is himself studying to become a teacher in Uppsala and says that he and others during their studies have been told that there will be plenty of work available.

It's only when you approach graduation and start looking for a job that you realize how things really are in reality. It comes as a cold shower.

You've spent several years on an education that isn't valued. I think many people feel deceived or betrayed.

"Cost issue"

In June, 3,188 people who stated that they were looking for work as elementary school teachers were registered with the Employment Service. Over a ten-year period, the figure is one of the highest.

People talk about a teacher shortage, but there are teachers who are unemployed. It's a faulty equation that affects both children, pupils, and teachers, says Anna Olskog, union president of the Swedish Teachers' Association.

The whole thing is primarily a cost issue for municipalities, according to the teachers' union, which in some cases has seen that cutbacks have resulted in unqualified persons being employed before qualified teachers.

An unqualified person is cheaper to employ than a licensed and qualified teacher, says Anna Olskog.

Few are attracted to smaller municipalities

But the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) does not believe that it's a cost issue.

I've seen examples of so many different solutions to really attract qualified teachers, but where they haven't succeeded, says section chief Maria Caryll.

She claims that there are jobs available, but that few are attracted to smaller municipalities. Particularly difficult to recruit are municipalities that lack nearby teacher training programs, according to Maria Caryll, who highlights the Norrland region as an example.

There has long been a lack of training for subject teachers.

You stay close to where you studied in your home region, and then you're left with Lycksele, which can offer two part-time jobs in a subject combination. In reality, teacher supply is extremely complex.

"Has consequences"

To solve the equation, the teachers' union wants the state to take greater responsibility for schools. SALAR wants to see a greater spread of teacher training programs.

Regardless, the problem persists, emphasizes Adam Kedert.

Most of all, it has consequences for the individual who has spent three to almost six years of their time and education, taken out student loans, and then doesn't get a job.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Sweden Ends Spruce Bark Beetle
2 MIN READ

Sweden Ends Spruce Bark Beetle Control as Infestation Declines

Drought Shifts Earth's Axis and
3 MIN READ

Drought Shifts Earth's Axis and Raises Sea Levels, Study Finds

Örebro Doctor Sentenced to 7
1 MIN READ

Örebro Doctor Sentenced to 7 Years for Sexual Assaults on Patients

Swedish Journalist's Detention in Turkey
1 MIN READ

Swedish Journalist's Detention in Turkey Raises Legal Concerns

Woman Hospitalized After Villa Fire
1 MIN READ

Woman Hospitalized After Villa Fire Near Älvsbyn

Sölvesborg Man in Custody for
1 MIN READ

Sölvesborg Man in Custody for Alleged Online Child Sex Crimes

Report Highlights High Rates of
1 MIN READ

Report Highlights High Rates of Relationship Violence Among Young Girls

Hedgehogs Reveal High Lead and
1 MIN READ

Hedgehogs Reveal High Lead and Pollutant Levels in Swedish Study

Skåne Region Ends Krys Contract,
1 MIN READ

Skåne Region Ends Krys Contract, Seeks 19 Million Kronor Refund

Summer House Buyers Urged to
3 MIN READ

Summer House Buyers Urged to Consider Climate Risks in Sweden

Truck Collision in Sweden Sparks
1 MIN READ

Truck Collision in Sweden Sparks Drunk Driving Investigation

Kristersson Praises Brandberg's Efforts on
1 MIN READ

Kristersson Praises Brandberg's Efforts on Gender Equality and Safety

Key Leaders Exit as The
2 MIN READ

Key Leaders Exit as The Liberals Face Leadership Changes

Paulina Brandberg Steps Down as
3 MIN READ

Paulina Brandberg Steps Down as Minister to Prioritize Family Life

Virtual Reality Offers New Hope
5 MIN READ

Virtual Reality Offers New Hope for Phantom Pain Relief

Sweden Delays Joining Global Ocean
2 MIN READ

Sweden Delays Joining Global Ocean Protection Treaty

Sweden Allocates 71 Million Kronor
2 MIN READ

Sweden Allocates 71 Million Kronor to Support Helicopter Rescue Services

Social Democrats Propose State Investment
1 MIN READ

Social Democrats Propose State Investment Bank to Boost Growth

Green Party Proposes Emissions Trading
2 MIN READ

Green Party Proposes Emissions Trading to Replace Reduction Obligation

Västra Götaland Director Steps Down
1 MIN READ

Västra Götaland Director Steps Down After Journal System Setback

Sweden Unveils Largest Military Aid
2 MIN READ

Sweden Unveils Largest Military Aid Package to Ukraine

Sweden Boosts Workplace Inspections to
2 MIN READ

Sweden Boosts Workplace Inspections to Combat Rising Crime

Man Faces Charges for Online
1 MIN READ

Man Faces Charges for Online Child Sexual Offenses in Sweden

Man Sentenced to Psychiatric Care
3 MIN READ

Man Sentenced to Psychiatric Care for Ica Maxi Employee Murder

Sweden Prioritizes Journalist's Release After
2 MIN READ

Sweden Prioritizes Journalist's Release After Arrest in Turkey

Rise in Children Contacting Bris
1 MIN READ

Rise in Children Contacting Bris About Eating Disorders Concerns Experts

Sweden Sees Lowest Deadly Violence
2 MIN READ

Sweden Sees Lowest Deadly Violence Cases in a Decade

New Tool Empowers Parents to
1 MIN READ

New Tool Empowers Parents to Combat Online Grooming Risks

Elderly Man's Death in Ale
1 MIN READ

Elderly Man's Death in Ale Sparks Murder Investigation

Prince Carl Philip's Secret Alias
1 MIN READ

Prince Carl Philip's Secret Alias Exposed in Sportadmin Data Breach

Child Abuse Images Discovered on
1 MIN READ

Child Abuse Images Discovered on Computer at Swedish Repair Shop

Explosion Rocks Trollhättan Apartment Building,
1 MIN READ

Explosion Rocks Trollhättan Apartment Building, No Injuries Reported

Teenager Seriously Injured in Highway
1 MIN READ

Teenager Seriously Injured in Highway Collision with A-Tractor

Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Moved
1 MIN READ

Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Moved to High-Security Turkish Prison

SMHI Warns of High Grass
1 MIN READ

SMHI Warns of High Grass Fire Risk in Sweden's Snow-Free Regions

Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Arrested
1 MIN READ

Swedish Journalist Joakim Medin Arrested in Turkey, Press Freedom at Risk

Man in His 30s Found
1 MIN READ

Man in His 30s Found Dead Outdoors in Norrköping; Murder Investigation Launched

Police Car and Fire Truck
1 MIN READ

Police Car and Fire Truck Crash on E4 Injures Officers

Sweden Prioritizes Journalist's Release After
2 MIN READ

Sweden Prioritizes Journalist's Release After Arrest in Turkey

Europol Looks to Sweden for
2 MIN READ

Europol Looks to Sweden for Tackling Digital Gang Crime