TOKYOAug. 24 (News On Japan) – An elementary school in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward posted an urgent appeal to parents on its website during the summer vacation: “As of August 31, we are expecting three vacancies due to resigning teachers.” The message asked parents to “register acquaintances with teaching qualifications.”
The school, which had already been struggling with a teacher shortage in the first semester, had its vice principal temporarily take over as homeroom teacher for the second-year class. Despite requests for additional teachers to the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, the situation did not improve.
As the second semester approaches, the school is asking parents for help in finding teachers.
One parent shared, โMy son couldnโt go to art class because there werenโt enough teachers. In addition, teachers who normally teach specialized subjects had to take on classroom responsibilities.โ
According to the Toshima school board, many elementary schools in the district have requested additional teachers, but the board has not been able to meet all the demands.
The teacher shortage continues to plague primary schools. The program “It!” visited a primary school in Hachioji City to investigate the current situation.
During the summer vacation, the staffroom of this school was full of teachers. In 2023, one of the teachers at this school fell ill and had to take a three-month leave. However, no replacement teacher could be found, so the vice principal had to step in as homeroom teacher. This situation is reportedly happening at other schools as well.
The principal of Atago Elementary School in Hachioji City explained: “We exchange information via email between the management of each school to share updates on staffing needs. We work together to ensure that no school is in trouble.”
Education critic Naoki Ogi commented on the emergency appeal to parents, saying: “I understand that parents feel cornered. However, if other schools start doing this, it can cause anxiety among parents. Children may also start to worry and think, ‘Is our school in such a state?’ This is something that the Ministry of Education or the government should address, not something that is left to each school principal.”
Toshima Ward Elementary School had posted the call for teacher referrals on its website and has since removed the notice.
Source: FNN
