Seanad debates

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Education and Training Boards Bill 2012: Committee Stage

 

5:10 pm

Photo of Sean BarrettSean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As I also stated on Second Stage, the Minister will probably obtain a sense of the demoralisation to which I refer when he attends the teachers' conferences.

At present, mathematics teachers are putting in a huge effort to overcome a national problem. They might not be represented by an established body in the way that those who occupy management and leadership roles are. Teachers throughout the country are doing the best they can to deal with the problem relating to mathematics to which I refer. In the past, history teachers formed an organisation, the aim of which was to desectarianise the teaching of history. Before that, there was great enthusiasm for the teaching of Irish on the part of those who volunteered in that capacity. It would be useful to have people with that type of interest - as opposed to an occupational interest - in teaching involved.

I concur with Senator Power's point that another learner should be included in the five members to be appointed by the Minister. There must be at least three or four people present who will inform the other members as to what it is like to teach in a classroom. Two learners, two teachers and people who have the enthusiasm to mount campaigns and encourage interest in national programmes - the one currently in train is that which relates to project maths - should be involved. The Minister should consider such individuals when making his appointments in order to ensure that there will be some form of direct involvement from the classroom.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.