Hopes it's a short-term dip
An MHK who used to be a teacher has questioned how serious a claimed shortage in the profession is.
Jason Moorhouse taught economics at Castle Rushen High School.
He says it can depend on the time of year, when heads are budgeting for their future requirements:
There has been a claim that, particularly in primary schools, the lack of teachers is causing headaches.
The Department of Education and Children is putting forward initiatives to try and resverse the trend.
But Mr Moorhouse says this sort of thing does happen periodically:
Hark! Claims school didn't allow Christmas carols to be sung "rumour" and "hearsay", says minister
Education minister defends attempt to reopen schools for a half day on snow day
Senior lecturer struck off nursing register after groping student
'Little data available' on number of employees earning the minimum wage on the IOM
Douglas high school reapplies for TT tents on school field