Last week The Express reported an Australian Education Union survey of public school principals showed more Gippsland secondary schools had teachers working outside their area of expertise, particularly in maths, languages and technology classes. The government spokesperson said the education department ``constantly monitored'' the supply and demand for teachers in Victorian government schools.

``Some schools continue to experience recruiting difficulties in particular subjects,'' the spokesperson said.

``Subjects include special education, mathematics, science, physics, technology and Languages Other Than English (LOTE). The government has invested in programs to improve the supply of teachers in hard to fill subject areas.

``Initiatives include Teach for Australia, the Career Change Program, Teaching Scholarship Scheme, Special Education Scholarships and the Maths and Science Graduate Scholarship.''