On the eve of the new school year, educational institutions throughout the country lack 1252 teachers to complete their staffs. The most in demand teachers are those of maths and physics. Also, there is an acute shortage of pre-school and primary school teachers, according to data presented this Wednesday, August 17, during a meeting organized by the Ministry of Education with heads of local education divisions, IPN reports.

Valentin Crudu, head of the pre-university education division within the Ministry, said the problem would be solved if all 1428 graduates of pedagogical institutions went to work according to their specialization. However, only a little over half of them have applied to work in an educational institution.

The official noted that there are 200 vacancies in kindergartens, but only 60 graduates applied for jobs. Right now, there is a shortage of teachers, teacher’s helpers, cooks and nurses.

At school level, 146 more math teachers are needed and there is only one candidate. Additionally, there is a lack of teachers of history, chemistry, IT, Romanian language and literature, etc. Authorities hope that in the remaining two weeks before the new school year starts, more vacancies will be occupied by graduates of pedagogical specializations. The rest of the vacancies will be offered to retired teachers or to teachers who will cumulate several disciplines.