Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

282. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if student teachers will be accommodated on teaching practice in schools for the 2020 to 2021 school year. [11390/20]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

School Placement is a critical part of initial teacher education (ITE) as it enables the student teacher to experience teaching and learning in a variety of contexts, and to participate in school life in a way that is structured and supported.

Initial teacher education programme providers are currently preparing their school placement schedules and calendars for the next academic year in line with the Teaching Council’s guidelines in relation to school placement.

Officials from my Department and the Teaching Council have been in close communication and will facilitate consultation with all relevant stakeholders over the coming period to consider school placement arrangements in the context of any Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines for re-opening schools in the coming school year.

Safeguarding the continuance of quality learning experiences for student teachers engaged in programmes of initial teacher education is of paramount concern.