The Impact of Teacher Shortages on the Quality of Education and Training at the Secondary Vocational School of Transport, Kvačalova 20, 821 08 Bratislava

Abstract

The shortage of qualified teaching staff has become a pressing issue within regional education in Slovakia, particularly impacting vocational institutions. This study examines the personnel challenges faced by the Secondary Vocational School of Transport in Bratislava, highlighting the persistent deficit in skilled teachers despite over 12,000 graduates from pedagogical faculties between 2021 and 2024. Many secondary vocational schools struggle to attract graduates, leading to approximately 890 unfilled teaching positions in the Bratislava Region as of July 2024. The shortage is particularly severe in vocational education, where specific qualifications are required, often unavailable through traditional pedagogical training. Consequently, schools are compelled to hire professionals from industry. Low teacher salaries and the predominance of retirees applying for teaching roles exacerbate the issue, affecting the age distribution and overall suitability of staff. These factors collectively risk undermining the quality of vocational education and training.