AQW 49406/22-27

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 23/06/2026
Answered On Date: 30/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether (i) TransformED; or (ii) any associated teacher workforce planning, includes measures to support experienced teachers with non-linear careers to return to classroom teaching, particularly in shortage subjects.

Answer:

The Department does not currently have a return-to-teaching strategy for qualified teachers but will consider developing one particularly for experienced teachers in areas where there are identified shortages.

The salary placement of a teacher is explained in the Guidance for Boards of Governors on the Formulation and Implementation of Salary Policy, at paragraph 4.5.1

Recognised teaching experience is detailed in the link above at paragraph 4.5.2.

TransformED or any associated teacher workforce planning does not include measures to support experienced teachers with non-linear careers to return to classroom teaching, particularly in shortage subjects.