BEING A TEACHER IN IRELAND

‘Being a Teacher in Ireland’ is a Bridging Programme aimed at teachers from immigrant backgrounds who hold international teaching qualifications at Primary and 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.

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NOTE: This course does not address specific shortfalls identified in the Teaching Council registration process and does not provide a guarantee of employment. If you have queries about addressing Teaching Council registration shortfalls, please contact [email protected], providing details of the specific shortfalls identified, for advice on suitable courses.

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE APPLYING FOR A PLACE ON THIS COURSE

Provisional Content

What will I learn?

Through the lectures, workshops, online and school experience, you will explore the following topics.

  1. School contexts and school cultures in Ireland. Develop an understanding of the Irish education system, and explore how schools and school cultures are influenced by their historical, sociological and political contexts.
  2. Curriculum, assessment and pedagogy in Ireland. Become familiar with current policy and practice in the Irish context, and reflect on the development of curriculum, assessment and pedagogies more broadly.
  3. The teacher as a professional in Ireland. Explore different concepts of ‘teacher’ and the role of the teacher in the Irish context, with reference to both policy and practice, and to key teacher organisations.
  4. Developing a teaching career in Ireland. Identify your professional strengths, and areas for continuing professional development. Gain practical skills to help you to gain employment in the Irish context.

How will I learn?

Our approach aims to draw on the range of knowledge, experience and insight that teachers themselves bring to the programme as well as on carefully selected content and materials. You will reflect on your own professional practice individually and with your peers, and develop and apply your knowledge and skills an Irish context. The course is structured as follows:

  • Face-to-face lectures / workshops (Saturdays)
  • Online learning component
  • School experience component (minimum 5 days)

How will I be assessed?

Questioning, feedback and online forums will provide opportunities for self, peer and tutor assessment and feedback throughout the course. You will complete a written reflection, to be submitted at the end of the programme. Teachers who complete the Bridging Programme successfully will receive a Certificate from the Marino Institute of Education.

Who are the course tutors?

Dr Rory Mc Daid

Rory is a Senior Lecturer in Education in MIE.  He is the Director of Research in the Institute and is Course Leader for the MES (Intercultural Learning and Leadership). Rory is the Director of the Migrant Teacher Project and has published several pieces on this broad topic.

Dr Garret Campbell

Garret brings a wide range of experience to the Migrant Teacher Project.  He is a qualified second level teacher with experience in education and management and both in Ireland and internationally.  He has worked as a researcher, teacher, lecturer and teacher educator in Ireland and India and has managed teacher education programmes in Ireland, India, Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Haiti.  

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School principals, migrant teachers and other guest lecturers and workshop leaders will work alongside the course tutors to facilitate your learning.

What are the fees?

This Migrant Teacher Project Bridging Programme is financed by the Department of Education. We are delighted to be in a position to offer this course free of charge to successful applicants.

Who can apply?

Applicants for enrolment should:

  • Hold a recognised teaching qualification (primary or post-primary schools) at graduate (level 8) or post-graduate (level 9) level.
  • Have sufficient availability in the academic year 2023-2024 to attend lectures / workshops, to complete online activities, to complete at least 5 days school experience, and to engage in relevant reading and writing. (see here for information about NQF levels)
  • Have sufficient English language skills to participate fully in the programme (minimum B2 level, Common European Framework. See here for information about CEFR levels)
  • Be prepared to comply with Child Protection requirements, including Garda Vetting and overseas police clearance as required.

NOTE: Enrolment in the Bridging Programme is subject to requirements set down by Marino Institute of Education and project funders. If the course is oversubscribed, selection criteria will apply. These selection criteria will take into account a range of factors which may include: readiness to work in schools in Ireland, registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland, relevant language skills, and other factors.

How do I apply for a place?

There are four steps in the enrolment process:
(dates are subject to change)

STEP

 DATES
  1. Applicants complete this online form. The form will ask questions about your teaching qualifications and experience, your registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland, your level of English language, and your reasons for applying for this course. You will also be asked for some personal information, such as your address and telephone number and your nationality(ies).

Closing Date

28 June 2024
  1. Eligibility for enrolment will be determined using the information provided in the form. If you are deemed eligible to enrol, you will be contacted and asked to send documentation to support your application. This will include your degree certificates, relevant Teaching Council registration process correspondence, and proof of English language competence. If you are not eligible to enrol you will be contacted and advised of this.

July 2024
  1. Eligible  applicants who provide the required documentation will then be considered for enrolment. If the course is oversubscribed, selection criteria will be applied in accordance with requirements set down by Marino Institute of Education and project funders. The selection process will take into account a range of factors which may include: readiness to work in schools in Ireland, registration with the Teaching Council of Ireland, relevant language skills, and other factors.

July 2024
  1. Applicants who are offered a place will be required to complete a registration form. Applicants who do not return the form within the required timeframe will forfeit their place. If the course is oversubscribed, some applicants may be placed on a waiting list.

July 2024
  1.  Enrolled participants will attend the first Saturday session.

 September 2024

 Where can I get more information?

For more information about ‘Being a Teacher in Ireland’ please contact us by Email:  [email protected]

To apply, please use this Online Application Form . Closing date 28 June 2024

Application form also available via this QR code

The Migrant Teacher Project is financed by the Department of Education 

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