The poll of more than 3,000 student teachers indicates that close to half - 42 per cent - consider dropping out due to financial pressures. USI president Michael Kerrigan said classroom experience was invaluable preparation for student teachers pursuing their vocation as educators. “It’s time our Government valued student teachers, otherwise we’re faced with a drought of talent with the shortage of teachers reaching crisis point,” Mr Kerrigan said. Patricia King, general secretary of ICTU, said the costs borne by student teachers were another example of the obstacles young people face before fully entering the labour market. “We fully support the USI in their campaign for a payment for student teachers who are undertaking teaching as part of their studies,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times March 29, 2018 06:56 UTC