A RALLYING call has gone out for former teachers to return to the classroom to solve a staffing shortage.

But unless a teacher retired because of their age, what other reason is there for someone to have left their job? A change of career? Or perhaps it was the increased workload, paperwork, marking or general pressure that is often cited as the reason behind the switch.

Our columns are highlighting the dedication of a teaching staff leaving schools this summer. But the education chiefs should stop and consider what has sparked the shortfall. Is it simply that there are too few young teachers considering the profession?

Or is it that those who chose teaching are disenchanted with the way the profession has changed? If the latter is the case it will be a long time before the situation resolves itself as former teachers will be all too aware of what lies ahead and ignore the 'rejoin us' plea.

If older teachers do return, how many vacancies will be left for younger people? And then in a few years will we hear that there is a shortage because a higher than normal number are retiring at the same time?