Part-time employment, substitute teaching, or working in a different location. This is everyday life for today's student teachers who are about to enter the labor market after their graduation, according to Adam Kedert, chairman of the Swedish Student Teachers' Association.
I've seen cases where people have had to take on different jobs in different municipalities with different principals to get the equivalent of a regular full-time job.
He is himself studying to become a teacher in Uppsala and says that he and others during their studies have been told that there will be plenty of work available.
It's only when you approach graduation and start looking for a job that you realize how things really are in reality. It comes as a cold shower.
You've spent several years on an education that isn't valued. I think many people feel deceived or betrayed.
"Cost issue"
In June, 3,188 people who stated that they were looking for work as elementary school teachers were registered with the Employment Service. Over a ten-year period, the figure is one of the highest.
People talk about a teacher shortage, but there are teachers who are unemployed. It's a faulty equation that affects both children, pupils, and teachers, says Anna Olskog, union president of the Swedish Teachers' Association.
The whole thing is primarily a cost issue for municipalities, according to the teachers' union, which in some cases has seen that cutbacks have resulted in unqualified persons being employed before qualified teachers.
An unqualified person is cheaper to employ than a licensed and qualified teacher, says Anna Olskog.
Few are attracted to smaller municipalities
But the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) does not believe that it's a cost issue.
I've seen examples of so many different solutions to really attract qualified teachers, but where they haven't succeeded, says section chief Maria Caryll.
She claims that there are jobs available, but that few are attracted to smaller municipalities. Particularly difficult to recruit are municipalities that lack nearby teacher training programs, according to Maria Caryll, who highlights the Norrland region as an example.
There has long been a lack of training for subject teachers.
You stay close to where you studied in your home region, and then you're left with Lycksele, which can offer two part-time jobs in a subject combination. In reality, teacher supply is extremely complex.
"Has consequences"
To solve the equation, the teachers' union wants the state to take greater responsibility for schools. SALAR wants to see a greater spread of teacher training programs.
Regardless, the problem persists, emphasizes Adam Kedert.
Most of all, it has consequences for the individual who has spent three to almost six years of their time and education, taken out student loans, and then doesn't get a job.
