In 2033, Sweden may lack as many as 45,000 qualified teachers, according to a forecast from Statistics Sweden.
The situation has led some principals to stop announcing the vacant teaching positions available at the school.
Instead, unqualified teacher substitutes are retained.
- We get those signals from several parts of the country, says Karin Johansson, member of the National Union of Teachers.
"It's awful"
She says she has respect for the tough situation the principals have to deal with.
Despite the shortage of teachers, each classroom must have someone who can lead the lessons when the semester starts.
- At the same time, students deserve to have licensed teachers in the classrooms.
If the principals are not even trying to get hold of them, it is terrible, she says.
Unauthorized staff cheaper
In Örebro, the union has pointed to several examples where it is believed that schools have not complied with the regulations when it comes to advertising services.
It is believed that there are economic explanations.
- A teacher who does not meet the employment conditions and is unqualified costs less in salary.
Then it is cheaper to keep such a teacher instead of hiring an experienced teacher, says Pär Boström, chairman of the National Union of Teachers in Örebro.
Teachers are cut off in the end
But Örebro municipality does not share the criticism.
- It is a picture I do not recognize at all, says Katarina Arkehag, school principal in Örebro municipality.
- It is a tough financial situation, but our principals and business managers work closely together to ensure that teachers are the ones we cut off in the end, she says.
Requires better follow-up
Is it not the case that the principals do their best and that it is simply very difficult to find teachers in the current situation?
- No.
If year after year you choose not to advertise services, then it is a system error.
Now the principals must ensure that the principals comply with the regulations, says Pär Boström.