Teachers’ supervision and substitution hours may be reduced

SPORTS, drama and trips to help students with exam subjects look set to be further restricted at second level schools which tried to save money on supervision of classes whose teachers take students to those activities, principals have claimed.

Under a scheme to cover absences on uncertified sick leave or when teachers take students on extra curricular or sports trips, schools are allocated funding for 37 hours of substitution or yard supervision for every full-time teacher employed at the school.

But for each teacher who does not wish to do up to 37 hours of these duties in the year, for a payment of almost €1,800, the school has previously been entitled to pay temporary teachers or outside personnel to cover those absences.