The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) says more resources and investment from Government are needed to deal with the teacher recruitment and retention crisis.
It wants more secondary school teachers to be hired on a full-time basis.
A recent survey has shown only 31% were offered a full-time contract with their first job.
The TUI, which represents second-level teachers, says 'precarious employment' is driving graduates away from teaching.
The union is also calling on the Department of Education to change policies that prevent schools from employing teachers permanently "after the traditional cut-off point of the end of October."
The TUI says the department should do everything possible "to ensure that Irish teachers living in other jurisdictions who wish to return home do not face bureaucratic delays in registration."
TUI President Liz Farrell says urgent action is needed.
"Schools are struggling with a very severe teacher recruitment and retention crisis, so the time for sticking-plaster measures has long since passed.
"It is now time for a completely new approach to teacher recruitment so that Ireland can compete for graduates who are increasingly looking at international options.
"We have consistently raised these issues with the Department over the years, but to date, they have failed to implement the effective measures required."
