New data has revealed there was a 34 percent drop off in the availability of relief teachers in primary schools between 2012 and 2021.
On top of this, COVID-19 and other winter illnesses have forced many schools to resort to blending classrooms, remote learning or closing for several days because they can't secure relief teachers.
NZEI Te Riu Roa President Liam Rutherford talks to Jesse about the impact the shortage is having.
Photo: 123RF
