Major Gaelic Teacher Recruitment Initiative Announced - Success of Scots Gaelic Medium Education Triggers Teacher Shortage

The recent growth in the number of Scottish Gaelic Medium schools has resulted in a shortage of qualified Gaelic language teaching staff. The dearth of qualified Gaelic speaking teachers has prompted action by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTC Scotland).

The organization recently unveiled a three-year plan to address the shortage of qualified Gaelic Medium teaching staff

As reported by the Ross Shire Journal, the GTC  launched a Gaelic Language Plan setting out four key commitments: (1) To raise awareness of Gaelic as a language and to support its use through integrated communications, (2) To support the development of learning and teaching in Gaelic throughout Scotland, (3) To encourage growth of the Gaelic language both within GTC Scotland and externally, and (4) To promote and support teacher professional development in the Gaelic language.

Ken Muir, Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Teaching Council for Scotland,  made the following statement when unveiling the three year plan: “Undoubtedly, Gaelic teachers are one of the most important resources in the success of Gaelic education across Scotland and in order to build upon this, an increase in the number of teachers for both Gaelic medium education and Gaelic language education is required”.

In 2015 Scotland’s First Minister committed the Scottish government to the future of Gaelic medium education. In an address at Scotland’s National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, the First Minister delivered the annual Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture. In her 2015 remarks Nicola Sturgeon committed government funding for organizations providing Gaelic medium educational opportunities for preschool and elementary age children.  Sturgeon said: “What we are trying to do now is to ensure that our education legislation and schools system help rather than hinder the development of Gaelic.  So, we are adopting a proportionate and practical approach which will help to secure the future of Scots Gaelic.” As these students move into Secondary Education the number of qualified Gaelic speaking staff available to respond to increased demand has become a flashpoint.

This government support has seen an increase in the number of children enrolled in Gaelic medium education which in turn as seen a shortage of qualified teaching staff which the GTC seeks to address

Jim Whannel, director of Gaelic education at Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “Bòrd na Gàidhlig were delighted to work in partnership with GTC Scotland in the production of the 'So you want to teach in Gaelic?' booklet. Undoubtedly, Gaelic teachers are one of the most important resources in the success of Gaelic education across Scotland and in order to build upon this, an increase in the number of teachers for both Gaelic medium education (GME) and Gaelic language education is required. This resource will play an important part in promoting both the various routes into a career in Gaelic teaching and the support available. Furthermore, Bòrd na Gàidhlig welcomes the revised GTC Scotland Gaelic Language Plan and its continued support and commitment to the language.”

John Swinney, deputy First Minister and cabinet secretary for education and skills said: “The Scottish Government recognises the role of Scottish Public Bodies in supporting Gaelic and the aims of our National Plan. “Education is key to growing the number of speakers and GTC Scotland has a vital part to play in supporting Gaelic Medium Teachers and those interested in joining the profession.I am sure this Plan will ensure that Gaelic is at the heart of their work going forward.”

See Full Article Here: https://www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk/news/teachers-are-key-to-development-of-gaelic-in-scotland-214015/