Mid Sweden University in Västernorrland is facing empty spots in its preschool teacher education program. The empty spots risk worsening the shortage of preschool teachers. For Mid Sweden University, this means not only an economic loss but also a long-term risk to the supply of competence.
The local shortage in Västernorrland is noticeable as a significant portion of staff in the region's preschools lack formal certification. Currently, about 40,000 employees in preschools across Sweden lack the proper pedagogical higher education. Tightened qualification requirements in core subjects cause many applicants to be denied admission.
It is very sad that it is like that. Therefore, we who want to become preschool teachers try as often as we can to tell about what we do in preschool. That it is not just about babysitting.
Without new preschool teachers, the burden on existing staff increases, creating a negative spiral. According to the trade union Sveriges Lärare, the lack of proper education threatens the quality of education. Experts emphasize that strong measures are needed to improve the work environment, raise the profession's status, and secure future competence supply.
Despite smaller birth cohorts, forecasts from the Swedish National Agency for Education show the shortage will remain critical, with over 10,000 qualified teachers and preschool teachers lacking by 2038. Sweden may have far too few preschool teachers as interest in the education program declines. Anna Nelding, program manager at Mid Sweden University, states that the teaching profession will remain relevant in the future.
Then it is important to try to influence so that more people feel it is an important profession. I have done that since I was little.
' Frida Larsson, another preschool teacher student, tries to influence friends to join the profession. The number of empty spots at Mid Sweden University has not been disclosed, and it is unclear what specific measures the university is taking to attract more students.