Written answers

Wednesday, 28 March 2007

Department of Education and Science

Teaching Qualifications

9:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 240: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her views on the recognition of Montessori teachers as persons eligible to deliver a primary education programme; if she will introduce measures to ensure that such teachers who do not have the required certification in Irish could obtain it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11875/07]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Two Montessori qualifications are currently recognised for the purpose of appointment to the following posts in primary schools: resource teaching posts, special classes and special schools. The two recognised qualifications are (i) the three-year full-time course in the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) College, Mount St. Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 14 and (ii) the HETAC accredited B.A. in Montessori Education or B.A. (Hons.) in Montessori Education in St. Nicholas Montessori College, Dún Laoghaire. Teachers with Montessori qualifications recognised by my Department are also eligible to work as substitute teachers in mainstream primary schools.

Teachers with the above recognised Montessori qualifications are granted restricted recognition to teach in special schools and in the categories of special classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement. Such teachers are also eligible for posts as resource teachers (low incidence) for children with special needs in mainstream schools (Circular 02/2005). The conditions governing the recognition of qualifications are set out in Circular 25/00, "Recognition of Teacher Qualifications for the Purpose of Teaching in National Schools".

The Deputy may be aware that, with effect from 28th March, 2006, the Teaching Council is the designated authority for recognition of qualifications for the regulated profession of primary teacher. The issue raised in relation to the Irish requirement for Montessori teachers should be taken up with the Council.

I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has agreed to a request from the Irish Montessori Education Board for a meeting to discuss issues of concern to them. The necessary arrangements for the holding of the meeting will be made as soon as possible.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.