The Ministry of Education has been warned it's too hands off, leading to both a shortage and an overflow of teachers.

Last year nearly half of all secondary teaching jobs were re-advertised, yet graduates struggle to find work in primary schools.

PPTA President Angela Roberts said the Ministry doesn't do a lot of strategic workforce planning.

"So you used to be able to get scholarships in hard to staff subjects and they've all gone. And in primary they're obviously not putting any limits on how many do teacher training."

While primary teaching roles are hugely lacking, secondary schools are struggling to recruit staff - particularly in science, maths, technology and Te Reo Maori.

Angela Roberts said having to employ staff outside their specialist subject isn't a problem if they're supported in their professional development.

"But if you've got people for whom it isn't a specialty and they're only two pages ahead of the kids, it can be really difficult to support the kids who are really struggling."

Moreover, Angela Roberts said teaching salaries, lower than other professions, are growing at a rate slower than inflation.

She thinks it's understandable other careers look more attractive, and secondary school teachers often have easily transferable skills.