RECRUITMENT: The State's schools may lose some of their most needed teachers if the New York City Board of Education succeeds in luring maths and science teachers across the Atlantic.
The New York teachers' employer is currently holding a massive international recruitment campaign to staff its public schools at primary and secondary level. In June, its recruitment team hits Dublin, specifically targeting maths and science teachers.
"We have a lack of maths and science teachers that is really a nationwide problem and we're hoping Ireland will be a good resource for these teachers," says Kevin Ortiz, spokesman for the New York City Board of Education.
The board requires the teachers to start working in New York this autumn on a two-year contract. With the current shortage of science graduates from Irish universities heading into the teaching profession, schools could find the teacher supply taking a further nosedive in September if even a small numbers take up the US offer.
Irish teachers applying for the New York positions must have completed their primary degree and hold a teaching certificate in the maths/science area. The board has yet to determine whether teachers will have to acquire any equivalency qualifications before they start teaching in the US, but Ortiz says it is unlikely.
Successful applicants must arrive in New York no later than August 5th to take part in a series of "orientation workshops". They will also be required to complete "new teacher credit" professional development courses throughout the working year.
The salaries on offer range from $31,910 to $52,287 (about €35,000 to €58,000), depending on education and level of experience. Teachers may also be eligible for a $34,000 annual grant if they work in what the board describes as a "challenging" city school. "These are underachieving schools, where kids need additional help," says Ortiz.
No relocation grant is available for teachers and they must fund their own travel and accommodation expenses. However, the board will provide the necessary work visas, free housing for the first two weeks after arrival and help with finding accommodation thereafter. The Dublin job fair will be held in the Alexander Hotel on June 7th, 8th and 9th. Further information is available at www.teachny.com
