Tokyo School Pleads with Parents to Find Teachers

Aug 24, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - A primary school in Tokyo's Toshima Ward issued an urgent appeal to parents on its website during the summer vacation, stating, 'As of August 31, we expect three vacancies due to teachers resigning.' The message continued, asking parents to 'please introduce any acquaintances with teaching licenses.'

The school, which had already faced a shortage of teachers in the first semester, had its vice principal temporarily take over as the homeroom teacher for the second-year second class. Despite requests for additional teachers to the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, the situation did not improve.

As the second semester approaches, the school has resorted to asking parents for help in finding teachers.

One parent shared, "My son couldn't attend art class because there weren't enough teachers. Additionally, teachers who usually handle specialized subjects have had to take on homeroom duties."

According to the Toshima Ward Board of Education, many elementary schools within the ward have requested additional teachers, but the board has not been able to meet all the demands.

The teacher shortage continues to trouble elementary schools. The program "It!" visited an elementary school in Hachioji City to investigate the current situation.

During the summer vacation, the staff room of this school was filled with teachers. In 2023, one of the teachers at this school fell ill and had to take a three-month leave. However, no replacement teacher could be found, so the vice principal had to step in as a homeroom teacher. This situation is reportedly common in other schools as well.

The principal of Atago Elementary School in Hachioji City explained, "We exchange information via email among the management of each school to share updates on personnel needs. We work together to ensure that no school faces difficulties."

Education critic Naoki Ogi commented on the emergency appeal to parents, saying, "I understand the sense of being cornered. However, if other schools also start doing this, it could cause anxiety among parents. Children might also become worried, thinking 'Is our school in such a state?' This is something that the Ministry of Education or the government should address, not something left to each school principal."

The Toshima Ward elementary school that had posted the appeal for teacher referrals on its website has since removed the notice.

Source: FNN

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