O' Doherty, TeresaTeresaO' DohertyHarford, JudithJudithHarford2023-06-202023-06-202018 Assoc2018European Journal of Teacher Education0261-9768http://hdl.handle.net/10197/24502Teachers are widely recognised as the most powerful determinants of pupil achievement. Those countries considered to have high-performing education systems, such as Finland and Singapore, have prioritised investment in initial teacher education. In the Irish context, teacher education programmes have been high-status, over-subscribed, attracting a very high calibre of entrant. However, in the last two years, a bifurcation in the pattern of teacher recruitment and retention has emerged – while primary level teaching has retained its popularity, high numbers of primary level teachers are taking extended career breaks. In contrast, there is evidence of a reduction in numbers applying for second-level teacher education programmes, as well as a shortage in key subject areas, creating a ‘crisis’ in teacher recruitment and retention. This case study resonates with the international discourse on the topic, and an analysis of issues within a small educational system as is found in Ireland throws into sharp relief new perspectives on the contested international strategies being implemented to increase teacher supply.enThis is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in European Journal of Teacher Education on 2018, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02619768.2018.1532994Teacher supplyTeacher recruitmentTeacher retentionTeacher education policyIrelandJournal Article41565466910.1080/02619768.2018.15329942023-05-10https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/