– I understand people who don’t bother. That’s what Marthe Leonora Borglund Kristoffersen says, who is doing the primary school teacher training grades 1–7 at Høgskolen i Innlandet. Figures from Khrono, which has investigated eight out of 12 teacher educators in the country, show that students are fleeing many teacher training courses. In particular, Høgskolen i Innlandet and Nord University come out poorly. – I think it’s strange. But I can understand that considering that the strike went the way it did, and that it is a long education considering the salary we get, says Marthe. A national trend The figures from Khrono show that there are a total of 696 vacant study places on primary school teacher training so far this year. A total of 2,362 study places were planned for the education for primary school teachers, grades 1-7 and grades 5-10, combined among these eight institutions. The available study places make up nearly thirty percent of the total. Among other things, Nord University would have 300 students starting their first year of teacher training, but only 107 are actually starting their studies in Nesna, Bodø and Levanger. In other words, the proportion who have turned up at the start of school has been reduced by almost a third only compared to 2021. At Høgskolen i Innlandet, 114 students turned up for the start of studies for teacher training. There they had planned 180 study places. The figure for 2021 was 145. Thore Johan Nærbøe, head of the Education Association in the Interior, says they have been concerned about recruitment for teacher education for many years now. – This is the third year in a row with a decrease in teacher education. Nærbøe believes the reason for the low number of applicants is complex. – But I probably think that the discussion and climate that has been surrounding the role of teacher in the last year, and especially the last six months with the teachers’ strike, has not contributed to trust. It is a responsibility that employers and politicians have to take seriously. Ørbeck says that this is a national trend – which they notice well at the college. – The actual search for coordinated admissions was finished when the strike began, so this particular strike has probably not affected this year’s admissions figures to any great extent. But it is clear that over time a rather gloomy image of the teaching profession and salaries has been created, which perhaps helps to reinforce it, says Ørbeck. Recommendations from two committees State Secretary Halvard Hølleland (Ap) in the Ministry of Knowledge, says that the government is not satisfied that fewer people are now choosing teacher training courses. – If we fail in the recruitment of teachers, then the quality of the school may eventually be affected, he says. WANT TO CLEAN UP: State Secretary Halvard Hølleland (Ap) says the government wants to clean up teachers’ everyday work and make it clearer what their mission is. Photo: Ministry of Education / Ilja C. Hendel Is more salary needed? – Salary is one of many instruments to increase the attractiveness of a profession. I believe that many teachers find it incredibly meaningful to work in the classroom and with the students. And through, among other things, salary and other things, they must get recognition for the work they do. Hølleland states that this week the ministry has received recommendations from a committee on how to improve the career paths of teachers. In addition, a committee has been set up to look at reporting and documentation requirements in the school. This committee will deliver its recommendations in January. – Our goal is to clean up the teachers’ everyday working life and make it clearer what their mission is, he says. Will finish the course Thomas Sætre Sveen is a student teacher at the University College in Innlandet. He has the following summary of why fewer people now choose this: – I think a lot is simply due to motivation. People catch on to what happens with strikes and now there was a forced wage board. It goes without saying that people do not want to become teachers. POSITIVE: First-year student Anders Mæhlum Johansen says he is enjoying the teacher training at Høgskolen i Innlandet. Photo: Stein S Eide / news Study mate Anders Mæhlum Johansen also points to the maths requirement that was introduced to enter the teacher training course can be a stop for some. However, he himself is positive about the teaching profession. – I still look forward to it. It is the first year and I have many years left, he says. So does Marthe Leonora Borglund Kristoffersen, who is determined to become a teacher despite all the things that pull in the wrong direction. – I want to become a teacher regardless of the amount of money you get. That’s what I want, hun.
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Student teacher Marthe (20) realizes that people don’t bother – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
