Migrant Teacher Project News

20th June 2023 - MTP Graduation

A special Graduation to celebrate the completion of the 2022 Bridging Programme for Internationally Educated Teachers and the 2023 Tailored Bridging Programme for Ukrainian Teachers took place on 20th June 2023 in Marino Institute of Education.

We were delighted to welcome our Guest of Honour, Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, and to celebrate in style as these photos show. A wonderful evening was had by almost 100 graduates who were accompanied by family and friends. Also in attendance were many of their School Principals, teacher colleagues, and guests from across Irish education.

April - May 2023 - NCCA Contribution to Bridging Programmes

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment explored Curriculum, Assessment, STEM, Global Citizenship, Education for Sustainability, and a lot lot more over two weekends in April and May.

20th April 2023 - ESCI 'Response to Crisis Sub-committee' launches special supports for Ukrainian Teachers in association with MTP

25th March 2023 - Launch of Bridging Programme for Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers

The Migrant Teacher Project continues to  design and deliver new and innovative Bridging Programmes for Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers to support their navigation of the Irish Education System and ultimately for them to become teachers in Ireland. This is part of a Service Level Agreement between Marino Institute of Education and the Department of Education.

17th March 2023 - President condemns racism in St. Patrick's Day message

25th February 2023 - Ongoing support for Ukrainian Teachers

The Migrant Teacher Project continued its support for Ukrainian Teachers in Ireland with the launch of a Tailored Bridging Programme at MIE funded through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

January 2023 - MIE signs SLA with DE

Marino Institute of Education sign a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Education to support the entry of Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers into the Irish Teacher Workforce through the Migrant Teacher Project.

22nd November 2022 - MTP update the Ukrainian Ambassador

MTP Team update the Ukrainian Ambassador on their ongoing work Ukrainian Teachers displaced by war and now living in Ireland and working in Irish schools.

October - December 2022 - MTP stands by newly arrived Ukrainian Teachers

As more and more Ukrainians arrive in Ireland as a result of the war, the MTP designs and delivers an introductory course on the Irish Education System for Ukrainian teachers now trying to navigate the Irish Education system and support Ukrainian children in Irish schools.

4th June 2022 - MTP visits the Mansion House

Lord Mayor and friend to the MTP, Alison Gilliland welcomes a group of teachers from the MTP to the Mansion House and confirms her support for diversity in the teaching profession.

12th April 2022 - Meeting with Ambassador Larysa Gerasko 

Ambassador Gerasko welcomes the Teaching Council and the Migrant Teacher Project to the Ukrainian Embassy to discuss assistance to Ukrainian Teachers to register as teachers and work in schools in Ireland

8th February 2022 - Bridging Programme Graduation for Class of '21

4th October 2021 - MTP School Network Seminar

The first meeting of the Migrant Teacher Project took place by Zoom at 6.30pm on Tuesday, 4th October 2021.

13th November 2021 - New Bridging Programme commences

The 2021/22 Bridging Programme commences at MIE for another 40 Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers. This is co-financed by the European Commission under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020, through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and by the Department of Education.

14th September 2021 - MTP in the Irish Times

An interview with Josna Joy (2020/21 Bridging Programme) and Garret Campbell. Full text of article here

June/July 2021 - Bridging Programme Mock Interviews

Mock interviews for Bridging Programme participants took place online throughout June and July 2021. Interviews were conducted by panels drawn from School Principals across a range of Primary and Post Primary schools. This was deemed a great success by participants who got really good support and insights from the interview panels, as they prepared to move ahead with their teaching career in Ireland. Thanks to all the School Principals who participated.

June 2021 - Migrant Teacher Project in INTOUCH Magazine

Migrant Teacher Project School Network Launched........read more

14th June 2021 - SOLidi Meeting

MIE is a partner organisation in the €4m Solidarity in Diversity (SOLiDi) Innovative Training Network funded under the Horizon 2020 ITN Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action. Led by the University of Antwerp, in Belgium, MIE is a partner to the work of Maynooth University, through the work of the Migrant Teacher Project. Both Rory and Garret will engage in this project, facilitating doctoral student access to teacher network and orientation to MTP throughout the duration of the project and participate in methodology courses and workshops offered through the Centre of Public Education and Pedagogy at Maynooth University. A meeting with European partner organisations took place on the 14th of June 2021. During the meeting the SOLiDi project was presented to all the non-academic partners and a discussion around the research and training agenda took place. This meeting was also an opportunity for all the partners to explore the project and non-academic secondments and collaboration. 

29th May 2021 - Last Day of 2020/21 Bridging Programme

The last workshop of the Bridging Programme took place on Saturday 29th May. This took the form of a conversation between Josna Joy (2020 MTP Bridging Programme Graduate and Teacher at North Wicklow Educate Together Secondary School), Matt Wallen (Principal Knocknacarra Educate Together National School) and Garret Campbell (MTP Project Manager). The group heard from Matt, of his journey from Minnesota, almost 20 years ago, to Galway, via Limerick, and how he became a Gaeilgeoir along the way. He encouraged the group, particularly the Primary teachers, to take up the Irish language as he did, and to enjoy the experience. While Matt made this journey a long time before the Migrant Teacher Project came into existence, Josna, from the 2020 group, spoke of her expectations of becoming a teacher when she arrived in Ireland from India and how those expectations had to be tempered as she faced the challenges of Teaching Council Registration and getting appropriate school experience. She acknowledged the support given by the MTP in building her confidence and knowledge of the system, and urged the group to persevere with both their registration process and recruitment. 

20th May 2021 - Education Awards

Launched in 2017, the Education Awards recognise, encourage and celebrate excellence in the third-level education sector on the island of Ireland from both State and privately funded institutions. The award categories are designed to highlight the key areas that impact upon student performance and provide opportunities for educational institutions, their employees and contributors to have their achievements recognised across the various important facets of their operations. As with so many event’s, this year’s awards on May 20th was a live digital broadcast hosted by Colm O’Regan, the award winning, critically acclaimed author comedian and broadcaster. The MTP was delighted to be shortlisted in the Best Outreach category and despite not winning it gave great profile to Marino and to the project.

13th May 2021 - Third Migrant Teacher Network Learning Event

Teaching Council Seminar

The final of our Spring Network Learning Events took place on 13th May 2021 and was hosted by the Teaching Council. Attended by over 80 teachers, this was a great opportunity to engage directly with the Teaching Council and to set up personal meetings as required. This was in addition to the monthly case meetings held between Garret and the Teaching Council.

4th May 2021 - Launch of School Network

Through its Bridging Programme and other activities, the Migrant Teacher Project has worked with hundreds of migrant teachers and schools to assist those teachers to continue their teaching journey in Ireland. In further developing this work, the Project launched a formal School Network on May 4th 2021. This network will offer support to Migrant Teachers, as they seek school experience and employment, and to schools, as they both support Migrant Teachers and challenge the prevailing cultural barriers experienced by these teachers. Support and training will be offered to these schools as they become key advocates within the system, promoting the benefits of the integration and inclusion of Migrant Teachers in the Irish teaching workforce. Minister Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, launched the School Network. Speaking that evening he said: “My Department is proud to support this project and I look forward to ongoing engagement with Garret and Rory on how best we can continue to support this vital work. The Migrant Teacher Project plays a crucial role in supporting the Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, as amongst other things, it aims to increase the participation of Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers in the Irish primary and post-primary schools. It contributes in a very real way to supporting our aspiration for inclusion in and access to education as the foundation for a more just and equal society. Put simply, in welcoming everyone to participate in education in the Ireland of today, they deserve to be treated fairly.”

The network currently comprises of more than 50 schools which will participate in a seminar in autumn to explore how best the project can support schools as they in turn support Migrant Teachers gain experience and ultimately employment.

15th April 2021 - Second Migrant Teacher Network Learning Event

The second network learning event took place in association with Drumcondra Education Centre and Education Support Centre Network (ESCI). With more than 70 teachers attending, this really well attended event gave valuable information on how best migrant teachers can access and benefit from the education centre network throughout Ireland. A follow-up session is planned for Winter 2021.

8th April 2021 - Lets Talk about Sociology of Education

The MTP was delighted to be involved in the “Let’s talk about Sociology of Education Podcast”, launched on 8th April 2021, in which Garret and Rory chatted about their work with the podcast creator, Dr. Melanie Ní Dhuinn. Listen to the Podcast here.

2nd February 2021 - First Migrant Teacher Network Learning Event

The first of our Network Learning Events took place on Tuesday, 2nd February 2021 at 7pm by Zoom. Given the move to online learning, this was a highly anticipated and exceptionally well attended session, with over 70 teachers attending. The session was in association with CESI (Computers in Education Society of Ireland) and entitled “Digital Learning in Irish Schools - An Information Session for Migrant Teachers”. 

November/December 2020 - TUI News

Migration happens and diversity is a good thing.......read more

8th December 2020 - 2019/20 Bridging Programme Graduation

40 teachers from 28 different countries around the world graduated from the second Bridging Programme, which was held remotely on 8th December 2020. This was the first of its kind for Marino Institute of Education. The Graduation was hosted in Marino, in a socially distanced fashion, by The President, Dr. Teresa O’Doherty, Head of Department, Dr. Rory McDaid and MTP Project Manager, Dr Garret Campbell, with special guest Minister Norma Foley, Minister for Education and Skills and the graduates ‘zooming’ into the event.

Amel Benfriha, originally from Algeria and now working as a PE teacher in Ardgillen Community College, Balbriggan in Dublin said: “The program is so beneficial and also a great source of information for getting teaching jobs in Ireland. I advice all the teachers who are taking part in the program this year to take advantage and learn more about the Irish education system. I believe that the program is a great opportunity for all the teachers who graduated abroad to start their teaching career in Ireland.”

The Minister for Education and Skills Norma Foley said that: “This project directly supports our Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, by contributing in a very real way to supporting our aspiration for inclusion in and access to education as the foundation for a more just and equal society. In welcoming everyone to participate in education, they deserve to be treated fairly. The experience, knowledge and skill that these teachers are bringing to our education system is invaluable. They are bringing a new dimension to classrooms with a diversity of perspectives and expertise that will benefit our children and our education system for many years to come. It will play an important role in showing how this Government values diversity and how our education system will benefit from a new pool of talent.” 

14th November 2020 - 2020/21 Bridging Programme Commences

The 2020/21 Bridging Programme, the third of its kind, commenced online on 14th November 2020. Welcoming the participants, President of MIE, Dr. Teresa O'Doherty noted that interest in the programme was unprecedented with over 1200 requests for information coming to the MTP Office with 147 completing the application successfully; competition was therefore intense for places and 48 Migrant Teachers were successful in their application. These successful applicants represent 34 different countries throughout the world and are all qualified teachers who now want to re-start their career in their new home. These teachers and now living across 20 different counties of Ireland - demonstrating the reach the programme has and its potential influence in supporting diversity in education all across the country. 27 of these teachers, representing Primary, Post-primary and Further Education are already fully or conditionally registered with the Teaching Council while the remainder are still being supported and guided by the MTP towards registration.

30th October 2020 - Department of Integration takes over Project Funding

With the establishment of the new Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, under Minister Roderic O'Gorman, responsibility as Funding Agency for the EU AMIF moves to them, from the Department of Justice. Reporting from the Migrant Teacher Project moves to this department from November 1st, 2020

6th October 2020 - Applications for 2020/21 Bridging Programme

Applications opened for the 2020/21 Bridging Programme, commencing on Saturday 14th November. To access an application form click here.

16th July 2020 - Conclusion of Bridging Programme

Having had to move the last session of the programme online due to Covid-19 restrictions and given the challenges which ensued, we were delighted that 39 of the originally registered 43 candidates completed the programme in July 2020. A huge congratulations to them all for their perseverance and hard work. The programme was concluded following completion of course assessments including final personal and professional reflections by each of the 39 participants. Zoom mock-interviews (cancelled from Face-to-Face earlier in the year) also took place followed by an interview feedback session hosted by Garret and Rory. 

6th - 13th July 2021 - Mock Interviews

Due to Covid restrictions and the need to cancel face-to-face mock interviews earlier in the year, Zoom interviews took place during the weeks of 6th and 13th of July. 39 interviews took place; 16 Primary and 23 Post Primary. The interviews were conducted by an independent and very dedicated panel of Principals and Chairs of Boards of Management - Thanks for your help!

11th May 2020 - IIET Network Meeting by Zoom!

A "Sell Out" event for Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers was hosted by Tallaght Library on 11th May. Garret presented to a full house of 45 interested teachers, which was followed by a lively Q&A session. The event, lasting over 90 minutes, was a great success and we look forward to being involved in similar sessions.

12th March 2020 - Campus closure due to Covid 19

The closure of the MIE campus took place on the evening of Thursday March 12th, following a directive from Government. The final day of the Bridging Programme, due to take place the following Saturday, March 14th, was cancelled and all content moved online. All involved worked extremely hard to ensure that participants were fully supported during this very challenging time and that they could successfully stay engaged with the programme and its tutors.

15th February 2020 - Penultimate day of Bridging Programme

The third and penultimate day of the Bridging Programme took place on Saturday, 15th February in Marino Institute of Education.  The day's focus was on the Teacher as a Professional in Ireland. Deirdre Harkin from Changing Behaviour - Changing Outcomes discussed the promotion of positive behaviour in her presentation Promoting Positive Behaviour for Learning – Classroom Management & De-escalation Strategies.  The afternoon session was co-facilitated by Dr. Alison Gilliland (INTO), David Duffy (TUI) and Diarmaid de Paor (ASTI) who discussed the important role of Teacher Unions in Ireland.  The day concluded with a conversation lead by Rory on the professionalisation of teachers in Ireland, looking at the role of the Teaching Council and other stakeholders. L to R, Diarmaid, Alison, David and Rory.

8th January 2020 - New Project Manager Appointed

The Migrant Teacher Project welcomed Dr. Garret Campbell as the new  Project Manager and thanked Dr Emer Nowlan for her work on the project to date. We wish her well as she takes up her new role as CEO of Educate Together.

16th November 2019 - Second Bridging Programme Begins

Saturday 16th November saw the commencement of the second Bridging Programme, Being a Teacher in Ireland. It proved to be an enjoyable and productive first day, as 43 primary and post-primary teachers from 18 different countries shared their experiences. 

5th October 2019 - MTP awarded European Funding for Three Years

Marino Institute of Education has been awarded funding by the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) to continue the work of the Migrant Teacher Project until 2022. The AMIF fund is administered by the Department of Justice and Equality, and the three-year project is co-funded by the Department of Education and Skills. This funding will enable us to deliver annual Bridging Programmes, to provide information and support to Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers (IIETs), and to develop a network of schools leading the integration of IIETs in Irish classrooms.

5th September 2019 - Enrolments for 2019-20 Bridging Programme Open

Applications opened for the 2019/20 Bridging Programme, Being a Teacher in Ireland, on 5th September and closed on 22nd. This programme, which starts in November, is aimed at teachers from immigrant backgrounds who hold international teaching qualifications at primary or post-primary (secondary) level, and who are now living in Ireland. It aims to provide additional knowledge, skills and confidence to enhance these teachers’ professional growth, and to help them to gain employment in schools in Ireland. Read more

4th July 2019 - Bridging Progamme Graduation

What a fantastic day we had, when 34 teachers from 17 countries graduated from the first ever Bridging Programme for immigrant internationally educated teachers in Ireland in Marino Institute of Education. Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD presented our teachers with their Certificates to mark the event, which was widely covered in national and local media. Read more

21st March 2019 - Teaching Council Seminar

We were delighted to host a second seminar for Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers with the Teaching Council on Thursday 21st March. Head of Registration, Maria Fitzgerald, and Head of Initial Teacher Education and Induction, Phil Fox, as well as other Teaching Council staff, joined us in Marino to provide valuable information and advice about the registration process.

7th March 2019 - R/EQUAL project for internationally trained teachers in Europe

R/EQUAL is a European project aimed at sharing learning about different programmes to support immigrant internationally educated teachers in Austria, Germany and Sweden. The Migrant Teacher Project was delighted be invited to give the Keynote at the project's launch event in Vienna on 7th March. Dr Emer Nowlan opened the event with a presentation in which she outlined the global, European and Irish contexts for the integration of IIETs. Download Emer's slides here.

26th January 2019 - First Bridging Programme Begins

Saturday 26th January saw the first ever cohort of the Migrant Teacher Project's Bridging Programme, Being a Teacher in Ireland, meet for the first time. It proved to be an enjoyable and productive first day, as primary and post-primary teachers from 18 different countries shared their experiences. Visiting lecturer Dr Tom Walsh from National University of Ireland, Maynooth, led an interesting session on the History and Structure of the Irish Education System. The day - itself a historic development in the Irish system - was covered in the Irish Independent.  

13th October 2018 - Employment Training Day

We were delighted to partner with New Communities Partnership's Migrant Access Programme to host an Employment Training Day on 13th October 2018. This training was specifically developed for Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers who have already registered with the Teaching Council and are seeking employment. More information.

6th September 2018 - European Conference on Educational Research

We have been conducting a Needs Analysis with teachers and school leaders, in order to ensure our Bridging Programme provides the best possible experience for immigrant teachers. We were delighted to share the emerging findings from our Needs Analysis with researchers and teacher educators from around Europe at the annual conference of the European Education Research Association in Bolzano, Italy in September. We also linked in with other Bridging Programmes in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Australia and Switzerland. Download the slides from our presentation here.

15th June 2018 - Migrant Teacher Project highlighted on Dublin Digital Radio

Dublin Digital Radio's Current Weekly podcast focussed on the Migrant Teacher Project in their Migration and Education special in June. Dr Emer Nowlan talked to Lizzy Beecham about how we can increase participation of Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers in schools. Listen here.

30th May 2018 - New Communities Partnership Roundtable

The Migrant Teacher Project was pleased to participate in the SIRIUS Roundtable organised by New Communities Partnership in May. The seminar considered the topic 'Enriching the Irish Education Experience' and was held in The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Dr Rory Mc Daid spoke about the project, and the benefits of a diverse teaching workforce for the integration of children from minority ethnic backgrounds.

28th April 2018 - Teaching Council Seminar

We were delighted to host a seminar for Immigrant Internationally Educated Teachers with the Teaching Council on Saturday 28th April. Head of Registration, Maria Fitzgerald, and Head of Initial Teacher Education and Induction, Phil Fox, met with 100 migrant teachers to provide valuable information and advice.

6th April 2018 - Educational Studies Association of Ireland Conference

The team presented the project and Needs Analysis research to the Educational Studies Association of Ireland's annual conference in Dublin in April.

March 2018 - Teacher Survey Launched

We are delighted to announce that our survey is now live! Many thanks to the teachers who helped us to design and pilot the survey. We want as many internationally educated teachers as possible to complete the survey, as it will provide us with important information, so please share it widely.

31st January 2018 - Presenting to Integration Strategy Monitoring Committee

Dr Rory Mc Daid, Project Coordinator, presents to Ministers Flanagan and Stanton, on how supporting Migrant Teachers promotes integration.

15th January 2018 - Metro Éireann

Melanie from France describes her path to employment in a North Dublin secondary school. Read more

14th December 2017 - Irish Independent

Fintan McCutcheon, Balbriggan school principal, speaks about the importance of a diverse teaching workforce. Read more

Matt Wallen speaks to the Irish Independent about his journey from American elementary school teacher to Galway principal and Irish language 'zealot'.

27th November 2017 - Project Launch

Read Irish Times Article: Migrant Teachers invited to contact Marino Teaching Project

Listen to Dr Rory Mc Daid on KFM Radio

Read Project Launch Press Release

1st November 2017

Team in place. Meet the team

25th May 2017

Department of Justice and Equality awards funding to the Migrant Teacher Project through the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration

The Migrant Teacher Project is co-financed by the Department of Education and the European Commission under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2014-2020, through the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration.