A shortage of schoolteachers in Japan has become increasingly serious since the beginning of the school year in April. NHK surveyed education boards nationwide and received data from 43 of 68 prefectures and designated cities. They reported a total staffing shortage of about 1,800 teachers in May, which increased 30 percent to nearly 2,400 by September. That is about 600 vacant teaching positions in just four months. Local governments report that they have difficulty finding enough substitute teachers, especially at elementary and middle schools, with a shortage increase of 40 percent. Officials say an increasing number of teachers took sick leave due to illness, as well as for maternity and childcare leave. Some municipal officials noted that vice principals and other administrative staff are trying to fill the void by taking on teaching duties themselves. Others point out that fewer people want to sign up for part-time teaching jobs.
◆nationwide 全国的にhappening or existing in every part of the country 類義語 countrywide
◆childcare leave 育休
◆municipal 地方自治体の relating to or belonging to the government of a town or city
◆fill the void 穴を埋める、穴埋めする an empty area of space where nothing exists