2026 Bridging Programme: Session 1
The Migrant Teacher Project team were delighted to welcome the new group of Internationally Educated Teachers to Marino on Saturday, April 25th. Forth-five participants, from across 18 countries, have been accepted to the 2026 Being a Teacher in Ireland Bridging Programme.
A key element of our first session was a lively, engaging and informative presentation by Dr Tom Walsh from Maynooth University on the History and Structure of Irish Education.
We look forward to working with this new group of talented, skilled and committed teachers.
Teachers' Unions Conferences 2026
The Irish teacher unions—INTO (primary), ASTI (secondary), and TUI (second-level/further education)—held their main Annual Congresses during Easter 2026.
The Migrant Teacher Project participated at all three events, with a stand at the INTO event in Killarney and at the TUI event in Kilkenny. Dr Rory Mc Daid gave a workshop to delegates at the ASTI Congress. Thank you to all the unions for including the MTP!
INTO Equality Committee: March 12th, 2026
The Migrant Teacher Project was invited to present to the INTO Equality Committee on the work of the project, the Bridging Programme and the experiences of internationally qualified teachers navigating their careers in Ireland.
Bridging Programme Applications
The Migrant Teacher Project has now closed applications for the 2026 Being a Teacher in Ireland Bridging Programme.
If you have any questions, please contact Rhonda at [email protected]
January 2026: INTO Equality Conference
Diversity in Schools: From Classroom to Staffroom
On January 23rd and 24th, the Migrant Teacher Project attended the INTO Equality Conference in Tullamore. There was great engagement through the keynotes, workshops and with the paricipating organisations and projects.
Dr Rhonda Wynne with Professor Lorraine McIllrath Director Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism at Mary Immaculate College.
December 2025: OIDE Conference, Cavan
Belonging – Inclusive Education for All
The Migrant Teacher Project was delighted to present on Migrant Teachers in Ireland at the Oide Conference on Inclusive Education. Oide is a support service for teachers and school leaders, so this was a great opportunity to discuss the contributions of migrant teachers and to consider some of the challenges they face, from initial Teacher Council registration to securing and retaining a full time role in the school system.
18th Sepetember 2025: Graduation Migrant Teacher Programme 2024
On Thursday, September 18, 2025 in the Edmund Hall, The Migrant Teacher Project celebrated the graduation of 36 students.
Twenty students attended with friends and family. The presence of so many children highlighted the importance of such a graduation for all involved.
The guest of honour for the ceremony was the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, who presented certificates and addressed the group. The minister welcomed the students and acknowledged their dedication to the teaching profession. She noted the need to diversify the teaching population in Ireland and acknowledged the work of the Migrant Teacher Project in assisting teachers transition to a new system. The minister gave generously of her time and stayed on to chat to the graduates and have photographs taken with their families. One of the students commented that having her photo taken with the minister would motivate her in the future and encourage her to pursue her ambition to teach in an Irish school.
The graduating group this year comprised teachers from Argentina, South Africa, India, Spain, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, Romania and the United States. They have taught Maths, Geography, Social Sciences, Sports, English, Communications, Science, Physics, Biology, Computer Science, Polish, Music and English as a Foreign Language. Their students have spanned the age ranges and life stages, from Montessori through to Further Education.
The local community, partner organisations and project stake holders were also present including, TD Naoise Ó Muirí, and representatives from Gaeloideachas, Muslim Education, Christian Brother, Emerald Cultural Institute, Immigrant Council of Ireland, IFUT, Teaching Council, Educate Together, Centre for School leadership and PPLI. This support is most welcome as we work together learn about the needs of migrant teachers in Ireland.