The Opposition said it was willing to help the government to stop the "unprecedented crisis" in the education sector.
The government should also stop insulting teachers by asking university students to step in to teach biology, chemistry, accounts, integrated science, ICT and computer studies at government middle and secondary schools.
"The Opposition does not want the education sector to end up like a political ball and is therefore willing to help," said a statement by spokeswoman Therese Comodini Cachia.
The least Education Minister Evarist Bartolo can do at this stage is to acknowledge the crisis, she said.
By asking university students to give a helping hand, the minister is not only insulting teachers who studied for years but also parents who are trusting teachers to care for their children.
"The government proved it has no plan by allowing the academic year to start despite the shortage of teachers, including those tasked with providing guidance. This is not to mention the fact that it is evident that teachers are being denied the right wages and conditions."