A study of selected factors associated with the supply of and demand for public school teachers and administrators in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador for the school year 1985-1986

• Main Author: Press, Harold L.
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1987
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/7884/; https://research.library.mun.ca/7884/1/Press_HaroldL.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/7884/3/Press_HaroldL.pdf

The importance of reliable information about teacher supply and demand has been well established. In recent years, the educational system has undergone a dynamic shift from a chronic shortage of teachers to an apparent surplus. The impact of this change has implications for planning and development by university faculties, government planners, teacher recruits and school administrators. -- The literature and related research regard teacher supply and demand as critical to the total planning process. Researchers have concluded that the problem is not so much surpluses and shortages in absolute terms but short term variances in geographic regions and subject areas. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with the supply of and demand for teachers and administrators in order to demonstrate potential regional and academic imbalances. More specifically, this study was an attempt to identify the reasons for job vacancies, the subject and administrative areas and geographic locations encompassing teacher demand, and the characteristics of the potential and actual supply of new teachers. -- An instrument was designed to obtain data relative to job vacancies in individual schools and school districts, and the individuals who filled those jobs. Results of the analysis of data revealed a general surplus of teachers. Over 6,600 applications were received for 569 vacancies and administrators between September 1, 1985 and August 31, 1986. On the other hand, a shortage was evident in educational therapy and potential shortages in guidance and music. -- The findings of this study strongly suggest that the teacher workforce is a dynamic enterprise. Considerable movement of teachers took place between schools, districts and provinces potentially creating jobs for those not in the workforce. -- The study found that there were vacancies in all regions of the Province, including the most isolated and the most urban. Contrary to what might have been expected, highly qualified personnel were hired in rural areas ...