Written answers

Thursday, 24 November 2016

Department of Education and Skills

Teacher Training Provision

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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92. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will examine the rules surrounding teacher experience hours; if his Department will allow any leeway for a teacher who finds it difficult to meet the required experience hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36659/16]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority under the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 for the professional regulation, including registration, of teachers in the State. The work of the Teaching Council is grounded in the values of professionally-led regulation, shared professional responsibility and collective professional confidence.

The period between qualification and fully independent practice as a teacher is a vital stage of the newly qualified teacher's career. During this phase the newly qualified teacher's development as a practising professional is facilitated by coherent and supportive induction and probation processes specified by the Teaching Council, which all teachers must successfully complete to achieve full registration. The Teaching Council works closely with the Department to ensure appropriate supports for newly qualified teachers are in place and the Department funds the national induction programme for teachers, NIPT.

A number of measures have been taken in recent years to facilitate newly qualified teachers in achieving full registration with the Teaching Council. The minimum service requirement for probation for primary teachers has been reduced from 170 days to 100 days.

Under Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act applicants for teaching posts in recognised schools are required to be registered with the Teaching Council.

While the recruitment and appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual school or Education and Training Board, subject to procedures agreed under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998 (as amended by the Education (Amendment) Act 2012), Circular 31/2011 details a number of measures for recruitment of teachers.

My Department has directed managerial authorities of schools to recruit unemployed teachers ahead of retired ones. Each principal must report to his or her board of management on a regular basis that a list of unemployed registered teachers is being maintained, and the circumstances, where relevant, that a registered teacher in receipt of a public service pension or an unregistered person has been engaged.

The Deputy should also note that, this September, 2,260 additional teaching posts were available in our primary and post primary schools due to additional funding secured in Budget 2016. In addition, further provision has been made in Budget 2017 for 2,400 additional posts. These posts, together with the measures outlined above, will enhance the opportunities for newly qualified teachers to obtain post qualification teaching experience to achieve full registration with the Teaching Council.

The Deputy should note also that a newly qualified teacher who is unable to complete a condition for registration within the specified period may apply to the Teaching Council for an extension to that period.

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