Teachers urge principals to back them

SCHOOL principals need to stand next to teachers in opposing the recruitment ban which has left posts of responsibility unfilled in schools, according to delegates at the ASTI annual conference.

A motion seeking the reinstatement of all posts of responsibility in schools and the lifting of the moratorium was passed unanimously by delegates yesterday, some of whom said “pastoral care” at school was being lost.

The posts of responsibility cover special duties, including the arranging of exams, the setting of timetables and looking after the welfare of students. There were indications yesterday that the newly-appointed Minister for Education, Mary Coughlan, may ease the moratorium which would allow certain posts to be filled, but delegates yesterday warned that a complete reversal of current government policy was required.