Apart from teachers’ working conditions, the government believes there are six other priorities which could alleviate the current staff shortage which has put it at loggerheads with the Malta Union of Teachers.

The Education Ministry said the shortage of teachers was in line with the shortages being faced in other sectors of the economy.

“We appreciate that while other sectors can solve this by employing foreign workers when Maltese ones are not available, this is not as easy in the case of education where the language requirement - among other things - poses a barrier,” it said.

It also noted that the influx of foreigners meant schools were being flooded with new students, which meant schools were either being extended or built from scratch.

The more individualised approach to education was also driving the need for more educators.

While other sectors can solve this by employing foreign workers when Maltese ones are not available, this is not as easy in the case of education where the language requirement - among other things - poses a barrier

The ministry said that it was working with the Malta Union of Teachers on a new sectoral agreement, but in the meantime, it was also working on other aspects.

These include safeguarding respect for schools and teachers, as well as integrating teachers and the school administration into procedures when changes were being made.

The government is also working on providing more training for teachers, to ensure they are prepared for present demands, as well as for the pressure imposed by the strengthening of the regulatory oversight.

It also said it was looking at ways to increase take-up of this career and a reform of the Education Act. In the meantime, supply teachers would be given the chance to upgrade to regular teaching positions.