Forty-eight. As of August 14, the Centre de services scolaire des Trois-Lacs was still 48 teachers short, according to a report filed by the Ministry of Education.

With the start of the new school year just around the corner, there's every reason to believe that many students will find themselves without a teacher - a situation that everyone hopes will be temporary.

According to the Ministry's document, 29 part-time positions at less than 100% are to be filled. For the 100% part-time positions, there is a shortfall of 17 teachers, and two teachers are still needed to fill regular full-time positions. 

The Ministry points out, however, that caution should be exercised when interpreting these data, as they "evolve on a daily basis. What's more, before the start of the new school year, and given that the assignment sessions are not yet over, a vacancy does not necessarily mean that a teacher is missing. In fact, the trend in previous years shows that the number of vacancies decreases until the start of the new school year."

An update of the data should be published in the next few days.

On its website, the Centre de services scolaires has published a number of job offers, both in the adult education sector and at primary and secondary levels. Most of these positions are contract or full-time replacements.

Teachers of French, music, Spanish, mathematics, English, drama, francization, physical education - in short, the needs are many. 

At the time of writing, the Centre de services scolaires des Trois-Lacs had still not given any further details. 

"I need help" - Bernard Drainville

At a press scrum on Wednesday, Education Minister Bernard Drainville appealed to retired teachers and graduates who studied subjects taught in schools to come and lend a hand.

"We're working to make sure we have one adult per class. But how can I do that? We're working like hell to get it right. It's a considerable challenge, I don't need to tell you. Nor do I need to tell you that it's a reality for which there is no magic solution."