Plans are in the pipeline to offer Diploma in Education programmes at the National University of Samoa to encourage students to take up teaching as a profession and be part of national efforts to address the shortage of teachers in schools. 

The Minister of Education and Culture, Seuula Ioane revealed the plans in Parliament this week during the supplementary budget debate. 

Seuula said there are many challenges faced by the Ministry of Education and on top is the shortage of teachers but it is a problem that has plagued other countries not just Samoa. 

As a way forward, the Minister said discussions between the Ministry and the Public Service Commission has been fruitful on plans to offer a Diploma in education programme. 

He said P.S.C. has agreed to the plan to allow students who obtained a Diploma in Education to join the teaching profession and increase the pool of teachers to assist with the shortage. 

Furthermore, there are also ongoing training offered at the university and have teachers teach more than two subjects. 

The Minister lamented the problem is attributed to death of teachers, others leaving to be church ministers and finding work abroad. 

Calls to offer a more attractive package for teachers is also considered. 

Seuula said work is underway to review the paygrade, however the Ministry does not have the authority to approve those needs. He said it comes from the P.S.C. but it is a dream he likes to see come through. 

In terms of using technology to teach students, the Minister said the teachers need training to use the technology. 

There is a need for 200 teachers just to fill in the current gaps. There are schools where three teachers are charged with educating Years One to Eight. 

There has also been an issue with the intake as numbers of those taking up teaching have also dropped despite it being a fully funded course.