Karen Devine

Billis N.S., New Inns, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan

I am a native of North Leitrim but currently live in Co Cavan where I am a teaching principal in Billis NS.  I was seconded to the various support services for five years and continue to work with PDST as an Associate and as a facilitator with NIPT.   I am a member of the INTO’s Education Committee and chairperson of the Cavan branch of the INTO’s Principals’ and Deputy Principals' Forum. My various interests mean that I have an awareness of the everyday challenges facing teachers on the ground which I feel would make me an ideal candidate to be elected to The Teaching Council.

My hopes for The Council are that in these times of low teacher morale it would promote the status of the teaching profession. The increasing pressures of accountability on teachers are impacting on their ability to focus on teaching and learning and also on their personal health and wellbeing. I would hope that The Council could represent these concerns to the Education partners in the interest of safeguarding the profession. I believe this would help to build the trust of teachers so that they would come to see the value of a Teaching Council. 

Terry Lynch

As a teacher in Cavan for 13 years I have worked on cross border projects to enhance special needs education and served as INTO branch chairperson. I have completed a masters in education from Harvard where I focused on literacy and education policy and I have toured many schools in Finland. These experiences have given me a perspective of the effects of policy making on teaching.

The Irish education system is at a crossroads with initiatives being introduced that are redefining the relationship between teachers, students, principals and parents. While I see many advantages, I share the concerns of many teachers about unreasonable additional workloads. My experience in further education places me in a good position to analysis and question the research used to justify these new initiatives.

With your support I will use my voice on the teaching council to shape policy that supports and celebrates teachers as professionals.

Bríd Ní Raghallaigh

Tógadh mé le Gaeilge in Iarthar na Gaillimhe agus tá mé ag plé le cur chun cinn na  Gaeilge le píosa fada. I write and produce Irish plays for children and have been both principal and teacher in the Irish colleges over the years. I currently teach in Loughrea , Co. Galway. I have over 20 years experience as a teacher in both mainstream and Resource/L.S.

Having organised CPD courses for teachers as secretary of  ILSA, I know that CPD must be flexible , varied, led by the profession and not in any way onerous.

I have an LLB and a Master’s in Public Law from NUIG. I consider Fitness to Teach to be one of the biggest changes facing the profession and I want to use my legal knowledge to protect the rights of teachers and ensure that the procedures used are fair and that only serious cases are considered . I want the Council to act on the many concerns held in relation to Droichead and in particular the sign- off  by Principals and realise that we are tired of under-resourced initiatives. I want the Council to not only regulate but to do more to promote the profession.

Eamonn Shaughnessy

St Peter's N.S., Snugboro, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Colleagues,

As an INTO endorsed candidate, for the Connaught/Ulster constituency I ask for your support in this Teaching Council election.

Issues I would seek to address include:

1. Bridging the communication gulf between teachers and the Teaching Council.

I believe that teachers currently view their subscription as another tax, paid only to get paid. This apathy is clearly illustrated by engagement on social media, e.g. 10.8 thousand ‘Followers’ on Twitter. With over 30,000 primary school teachers alone nationally, this disconnect needs to be bridged.

2. Simplifying the re-registration process for teachers. 

Currently, if a member’s registration has lapsed for personal reasons, information previously provided is ignored. Re-registration must start from scratch, which I believe is unnecessary.

3. Developing a roadmap towards post graduate recognition of CPD.

Teachers need a strong voice to ensure that through ‘Cosán,’ recognition of CPD engaged in is fair. Courses can transition into ‘Modules,’ that work towards post graduate qualifications. As a PDST tutor with an M.Sc. in P.E., I am well placed to represent these needs of teachers.

I have the vibrancy and enthusiasm to be effective in achieving these and other aims and sincerely ask for your Number 1.

Yours, 

Eamonn Shaughnessy (B.Ed. M.Sc.)

Carol Burke-Heneghan

Scoil Mhuire, Convent Road, Clondalkin

I began my teaching career in a Deis band 1 school in North Clondalkin before moving to teach in Leixlip. I also spent six years with the PDST team on curriculum implementation in the areas of  English, Mathematics and Learning Support before being appointed principal of Scoil Mhuire, Clondalkin in 2007.

I have served as the Dublin representative on the National Council of the IPPN for the past six years. This role involves the communication of key professional issues and concerns of the County Network to the National Council as well reporting the decisions, policies and activities of the National Council back to members. I am also a member of the venue committee for the organisation of the IPPN conference each January which provides excellent CPD for principals on current issues but also allows opportunities for professional dialogue among principals.

I have served as branch and district Cathaoirlach of the INTO for District X1V, West Liffey, Craobh na Camoige and Dublin west.

I believe my experience in a variety of different educational settings, track record and commitment to the development of primary education to date gives me an informed voice to represent you on the teaching council.

Katrina Guiney

St Johns N.S., Church Road, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin

A graduate of Mary Immaculate College, I have 11 years teaching experience in the Primary Sector. Since obtaining my qualification, I have worked in Lucan for ten years and I currently teach in St John’s N.S, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin. I have also completed an M. Ed (Research area: Cooperative Learning/ EAL) and PGD in Education Management (Research area: Managing Change). These experiences have given me an insight into the Irish education system and I have particular interest in SEN provision, CPD and teacher collaboration and support.

As a representative of the teaching profession on the TC, I would work to ensure that its role as a support and partner in education, is communicated effectively to my teaching colleagues. My experience and studies have given me the skills to assist the TC in developing educational policy that is responsive to the real concerns of teachers during a period of significant change in the Irish education system. CPD undertaken by teachers needs to be relevant, practical and quality assured as best practice for the teaching profession. I will ensure that teacher CPD is accredited and meaningful for teachers while providing maximum benefits for all learners in the education system.

Gregor Kerr

St. Mary's Primary School, Dublin 7

In common with many teachers, I share a distrust of the Teaching Council and many of its agendas.

I believe that teachers need a strong voice on key issues such as Droichead, Cosán, JobBridge, Fitness To Teach, the Protection of Qualifications etc. at the Teaching Council table.

I am a strong opponent of Droichead and a supporter of INTO policy demanding external evaluation of probation.  I believe that it is crucial that Droichead is opposed unconditionally by those elected to represent us.

We are all in favour of Continuous Professional Development but I oppose outright proposals in the Cosán document to make registration dependent on completion of CPD.

I am opposed to the holding of fitness to teach hearings, or hearings into complaints against teachers, in public.

I want to use the role of teacher rep on the Teaching Council to work with all levels of the INTO and to help organise INTO members to fight for union policy.

I believe that there is a need for proper and meaningful 2-way communication between teachers and those elected to represent us.  I will do this through regular communication with all INTO branches in Dublin and through my GregorKerrTeachingCouncil facebook page.

Máire Lineen

I teach in Scoil Mhuire Senior, a DEIS Band 1 school in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. I am an active INTO member, and Blanchardstown Branch Organiser since 2012.

I believe primary teachers need stronger representation on the Teaching Council: Teaching Council initiatives are hurting primary teachers. The huge lack of connect between the council and teachers needs urgent address if we are to preserve the high quality of our teaching profession.

With that in mind, a group of teachers (Myself, Gregor Kerr, Stephen Marken and Séamus O’Connor) are running for election, in the hope that together we can offer a stronger collective INTO voice for teachers on the Teaching Council.

Concerns include Droichead, Cosán, Probation, Workload, Fitness to Practice hearings in public, Regulation Three, and the referenced role of Teaching Council initiatives within the DES Advancing School Autonomy document, which indicates drastic changes and plans for our education system.

I seek proper consultation, transparency and a strong collective voice for teachers on the Teaching Council. If elected, I promise I will advocate for primary teachers on all of the above issues. I promise real communication between the Teaching Council and INTO members.

Contact: “Máire Lineen, Teaching Council 2016 Elections” on Facebook.

Oilibhéar Ó Braonáin

Our Lady's Boys' N.S. Ballinteer, Dublin 16

Múinim i Scoil na Maighdine Muire, Baile an tSaoir, agus is ball mé de Choiste Craoibhe Bhaile Átha Cliath Theas.  Is oide scoile agus ball de C.M.É. mé le scór bliain anuas le taithí forleathan sa bhunoideachas agus san Oideachas Speisialta araon.

Airím an tábhacht a ghabhann le comhoibriú stráitéiseach leis na gComhairle ar mhaithe le leas na nOidí Bunscoile a chur chun cinn.  Táim i gcoinne prionsabal an Éigeantais sa C.P.D. trína cheangailt leis an gClárú Bliantúil.  Dar liom is gá an clár píolótach ‘Droichead’ a scrúdú, a leasú agus a athrú sula gcuirtear i bhfeidhm mar chlár náisiúnta promhaidh  é.

Údar imní dom freisin an baol go n-athróidh ‘Droichead’ múnla ceannaireachta  na mBunscol ar dhrochbhealach .  Ábhar eagla domsa go bhféadadh teacht i dtír ar oidí nuacháilithe a bheith mar thoradh ar an gclár seo gan trácht ar an ualach mór oibre breise a leagfaidh sé ar ghuaillí na bPríomhoidí  atá ag obair sa rang.

Is céimí de chuid Coláiste Phádraig mé le M.Ed ó U.C.D. agus M.A. ó D.C.U.

Impím ar mhúinteoirí  Bhaile Átha Cliath deis a thabhairt dom seasamh ar a son agus a dtuairimí a chur chun cinn go tréan ar an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta.

Catherine Doolan

Lumcloon N.S., Cloghan, Birr, Co. Offaly

I am passionate that Irish primary teachers’ long tradition of being professionally responsible be protected by Teaching Council policies and I promise, if elected, to fight to ensure that Council policy always reflects the best interests of the profession. I will strive to honestly represent the voice of teachers on how they consider policy may impact on their daily practice, their professionalism and their ability to meet the needs of teaching and learning in the 21^st century.

I believe my long and varied experience as a practising teacher and my understanding of the Irish education system would serve me well as a representative for primary teachers. I have taught in both mainstream and special education for 28 years, and I am teaching principal in Lumcloon N.S., Co. Offaly since 2009. A graduate of Carysfort College, I also hold an M. Ed. in Literacy from NUIG. I am currently researching the growing demands for accountability on primary teachers from outside agencies, including the Teaching Council, as part of a doctoral programme in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra. For many years, I have delivered CPD to teachers in Literacy, ICT and SPHE. I have been actively involved in the INTO throughout my career.

Gwendolyn Gallagher

Mullingar Educate Together National School, Rathgowan, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Mar a luaigh mé thuas is mise Gwendolyn Ní Ghallachóir agus is múinteoir bunscoile mé sa Mhuileann gCearr.  Tá an suim agam a bheith mar iondaí don Chomhairle Múinteoireachta.  Tá an-mheas agam i dtaobh teanga agus cultúr na Gaeilge.  Tagaim ó chúlra múinteoireachta agus chabhraigh sé dom tábhacht ár gcultúr i leith an oideachais a thuiscint.  Ba mhaith liom an deis a fháil chun bhur dtuairimí agus smaointí a thaispeáint don Chomhairle chun na polasaithe a fhorbairt. 

Professionalism, along with the promotion of life long learning are cornerstones of modern educational practice.  If we want to teach children to be collaborative and passionate about learning; we need to demonstrate this by example.  It is my view that teachers should adopt the Council as their own and regard it as a platform which can promote professionalism as well as a growth mindset which can support teachers to develop excellence in schools.  As a passionate and independent teacher, I have always sought to engage with my peers and would greatly appreciate your vote so that I can represent teachers’ views. 

Colm Harte

S.N. Naomh Treasa, Clontumpher, Ballinalee, Co. Longford

Lorg múinteoirí comhlacht proifisiúnta, stiúrtha ag múinteoirí agus freagracht do mhúinteoirí chun a ngairm a rialú.  Ní léiríonn an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta reatha an ardaidhm seo. Is gá don Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta éisteacht níos cúramaí le múinteoirí agus cumarsáid níos éifeachtaí a bheith  le múinteoirí a rialaíonn na scoileanna agus a oibríonn sna seomraí ranga.

Creidim go láidir go bhfuil mé oiriúnach don ról seo toisc an taithí leathan atá agam le breis agus  tríocha bliain mar mhúinteoir, mar phríomhoide teagaisc agus mo chleachtadh ag leibhéal bainistíochta agus riaracháin. Éileoidh mé ar an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta comhphlé agus comhrá profisiúnta  a dhéanamh le múinteoirí.

Deimhneoidh mé go bhfuil leasa proifisiúnta na múinteoirí uile cosanta, forbartha agus le tacaíocht i gcónaí.

Is gá an próiseas Droichead a athrú chun dul i ngleic leis na húdair imní agus na buncheisteanna atá curtha in iúl ag múinteoirí agus príomhoidí.

Deimhneofar go dtabharfaí aitheantas do ghairmiúlacht, do dhíograis agus do thiomantas na múinteoirí tríd postanna freagrachta a thabhairt ar ais agus cosáin ghairme a chruthú.

Le tuiscint mhaith ar na dúshláin atá ag múinteoirí, cosnóidh mé cearta múinteoirí maidir le feidhmiúlacht chun múineadh agus beidh guth láidir, réadúil gan faitíos ann ar son na múinteoirí uile.

Stephen Marken

I seek your vote in the forthcoming Teaching Council elections. I have made the decision to run for election because I, like most teachers, have very little faith in the current Teaching Council.

I want the opportunity to work together with like minded teachers to reform the Teaching Council from within. The Teaching Council has done nothing to promote the profession, on the contrary they have added to the pressure. Droichead, Cosán and Fitness to Teach have all been met with complete disgust by the vast majority of teachers. I share their disgust.

I am a proud trade unionist and I would bring this background to the Teaching Council.

I believe that the Teaching Council has become too powerful and has become a stick to beat us with.

We must take this opportunity to elect strong teachers who will stand up and organise resistance to the initiatives that are being forced upon us.

It is my intention to communicate with teachers regularly through INTO and on social media.

I look forward to bringing my dedication and energy to the Teaching Council and working to be a strong Voice for Teachers.

Niamh McGrath

Bunscoil McAuley Rice, Callan, Co. Kilkenny

I have been endorsed by INTO members on the ground, to represent the best interests of primary teachers on the Teaching Council. If elected:

• I will ensure that the Teaching Council is accountable to teachers on the decisions it makes.
• I will oppose the imposition of unrealistic policies on schools and teachers.

I will be particularly vigilant on the issues of:

• The Droichead model of probation,
• The Cosán framework for continuing professional development
• Fitness to Teach hearings

I will also call on the Council to urgently make recommendations to the Minister on proper planning for the adequate supply of qualified teachers, to ensure that the role of teaching is exclusively preserved for appropriately qualified teachers, with no loopholes.

I work as a mainstream teacher in Callan, Co. Kilkenny. In addition, I have gained a broad range of experience through interning as an official in INTO Head Office, serving Kilkenny City INTO as Chairperson and Branch Secretary and earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Management from NUI Maynooth.

I want to be a strong voice for you on the Teaching Council and if elected, I am determined to represent your best interests and make the Teaching Council work for us.

Bryan O'Reilly

Scoil Mhuire, Standhouse Rd., Ballymany, Newbridge, Co. Kildare

A chomhmhuinteoirí, Ireland is one of a minority of countries internationally to have given its teachers professional status through the enactment of a Teaching Council Act. This epitomises the high esteem in which teachers are held. With your vote I hope to further enhance the work of the council. Irish society needs to appreciate the enormous demands being placed on teachers every day to ensure that children and students receive the best in education. These demands take their toll and I would like the next council to commission research into the effects of those demands on teachers. I also want to have better two way communication between teachers and their council. My address is oreillytc@gmail.com. See also www.oreillytc.ie

Council must also address the question of teacher supply. Lack of teachers is at present causing standards to be compromised. Part 5 on Fitness to Practice will  be enacted soon. I have the practical experience to engage with this in a way that ensures fairness and due process for teachers. As an independent professional with a mandate from the teachers of Leinster I will do my best to represent you. Please give me your vote. Míle buíochas as ucht do tacaíocht.

Mary Clare Relihan

St Laurences National School, Greystones, Co. Wicklow

My name is Mary Clare Relihan and I am currently teaching 4^th class in St Laurence’s Primary School in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. I began working here in 2006 after completing my degree in Mary Immaculate College. I have recently returned to this school, having spent over 4 years working in the Catholic education system in Melbourne. This was an amazing experience for me professionally as I worked in a very innovative school. I have also begun a Masters in ‘Educational Mentoring’ in UL. I hope this will allow me to further develop the skills I acquired in Australia.

I fully support the Teaching Councils vision to uphold the professionalism of our career.

I am very interested in the path the Teaching Council is embarking upon through the Droichead Mentoring Programme and Cosán Professional Development Policy. I believe a lot can be learned by analysing the impact that these same types of initiatives have had on education systems worldwide.

I do feel that the every-day teacher feels disconnected from the Teaching Council and unsure of their role.  I think the future success of the Teaching Council will depend greatly on openness of communication and discussion between Irish teachers and the Council.

Derbhile de Paor

An experienced teacher and school leader, a graduate of MIC, I hold a HDEA from UCC and an M.Ed in Mentoring from UL.   In my second term on the council I will continue to ensure clearer communication and meaningful consultation with registered teachers thus ensuring respectful connections with the profession:

I will continue ensuring that the voice of teachers influences the development of council policy on Induction. I will pursue a Guaranteed school placement for NQT’s , a  decrease in teaching contact hours for mentors and NQT’s and recognition for extended professional activities and professional learning of experienced teachers. Ensuring opportunities for promotion and career development for teachers is a key aspiration.  Regarding Cosan,   CPD should be the right of all teachers.  I aim to ensure the framework is implemented on the basis of trust in the profession. I intend to ensure that the enactment of part 5 of the Teaching Council Act is undertaken in a manner which ensures respect and support for teachers.

My understanding of global and European influences on teacher professionalism and skills in negotiation, policy development and political activity will ensure experienced and effective representation for registered teachers in my second term on the council.

Sean Mc Mahon

A Teaching Principal in West Clare, member I.N.T.O. Executive since 2007, previously elected to the Principals’ and  Deputy Principals’ National Committee,  served as Branch Secretary/Chairperson I was honoured to be elected INTO President 2014/15.

Teaching Council Responsibilities such as Registration, Induction/Probation including “Droichead” in tandem with “Fitness to Practice” and "Cosán" will impact professionally and personally on all teachers. I am most concerned that these initiatives will be implemented by the Teaching Council unilaterally without appropriate consultation and agreement of teachers. For my part I would vehemently oppose this. The Teaching Council must listen to the voice of teachers and having listened take cognisance of that perspective in its deliberations, initiatives and policies. If elected, I will work diligently to promote and enhance our profession through bringing that “voice” to the Teaching Council table; - strongly, forcibly, persuasively and honestly. 

Tá sé thar a bheith tábhachtach go nglacfaidh gach múinteoir páirt sa toghacháin seo agus go gcloisfear guth an mhúinteora go soiléir ag na cruinnithe den Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta. Tuigim go maith na fadhbanna ar fad atá os ár gcomhair faoi láthair agus tig leat bheith lán mhuiníneach nach bhfanfaidh mé i mo thost."

Séamus O’Connor

I’m the Principal of Scoil Bhríde, Crosshaven and I am luckily married to Niamh with our first child coming soon!  The reason why I have decided to put name forward in the upcoming 2016 Teaching Council Elections is that I believe the views of teachers in staffrooms and at grassroots levels in Munster have not represented appropriately so far!

There is a disconnection between the almost 11,000 Primary teachers in our Province and this council.  I intend bringing a motion to congress in 2016 calling on every INTO branch to create a “Teaching Council Liaison Officer” with whom I can regularly share information.

Through my INTO activity, I have worked tirelessly on issues relating to the plight of NQTs (Salary and Job Creation), Maternity Sickness, Principal’s Workload and JobBridge.

I am not entering this campaign to further my own career.  I’m genuinely entering it to try to make all of our careers a little easier.

Only 8% of teachers in Munster voted in 2012 therefore I must endeavour to engage the remaining 92% in the coming months.  I will work for teachers.  I will be a firm voice representing what teachers want. 

I will work for Teachers.

Diarmuid Ó Murchú

My capability, capacity and commitment to the future of our profession enable me to be the ideal candidate to represent you ar an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta.

My objectives are;

Through the forum of the Teaching Council:

• Guth láidir ar son na Gaeilge i ngach scoil
• To support teachers in their professional lives;
• To re-affirm the special role of teachers in the social, cultural and economic development of Ireland;
• To improve communication and support a two way dialogue with Múinteoirí na Mumhan;

Through the experience I have gained on the Teaching Council, as Príomhoide of An Mhodhscoil, Lumneach and previously as a teacher in a DEIS school, I have the required experience and insight to articulate the professional challenges we experience daily in our schools.

Freisin chaitheas treimhse mar Chathaoirleach ar;

• Coiste Príomhoidí Luimní
• Mo Chumann Áitiúil de CLG

Tá dúshláin gineralta agus faoi leith le sárú againn maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge i sochaí ilchultúrtha. Ní foláir dúinn ómós a léiriú do éagsúlacht ach gan ár éiteas cultúrtha féin a bheith thíos leis. Ní féidir an obair a rinne mé ar son na Gaeilge ar an gComhairle Mhúinteoireachta a shárú.

Tabhair  dom do vóta le do thoil

Tracie Tobin

St. Michael's Infant School, CBS Grounds, Sexton Street, Limerick

I am teaching principal of St. Michael's Infant School in Limerick City and former Cathaoirleach of Limerick City INTO Branch. I am Chairperson of the INTO Equality Committee where I represent the teachers of Limerick and Kerry.  I hold an M.Ed in Special Educational Needs from Mary Immaculate College and am a Maths Recovery Associate with the PDST.

I am standing for election to the Teaching Council because I want to promote, protect and defend the professional and employment interests of teachers. The Teaching Council must properly regulate entry to the profession. This, I believe, will guarantee the highest calibre of entrants and maximise employment opportunities for teachers. The Council will have responsibility for "fitness to practise" matters. I will work tirelessly using my INTO experience to ensure fair procedures and due process for teachers. The Council will also set standards for the professional development of teachers. In this and all other matters I will be a strong, qualified and experienced classroom teachers’ voice on the Council.

Finally, I can assure you of my full commitment to the position and to the development of a Teaching Council and Teaching Profession of which we will all be proud to be members!

Patricia Duffy

St Mary's School, Baldoyle, Dublin 13

As one of many who have trained, worked away and returned home I have had to jump through a lot of hoops and pay a substantial amount of money to get registered to teach here. I have also been affected by many of the recent issues facing new and returning teachers such as lower pay scales, more working hours and greater casualisation of the profession. I would like to see registration with the Council being simpler and more affordable for those returning home. I would also like to see more communication between the Department of Education and the Teaching Council. New PME students entering the profession are more highly qualified than ever before so why are they being paid the lowest rates? The Teaching Council has the potential to be a very valuable asset to teachers. Education is a key player in the economic and social development of this country and therefore the teaching profession needs to be protected and its standards need to be maintained. Currently, there is a lack of trust between teachers and the Council, this is mostly due to unexplained decisions being made and a patronizing or threatening tone in emails and print. Change is needed.

Patricia Griffin

I am a teacher with over 30 years’ experience. I am a Business teacher in ST Mary’s., Edenderry since 1993. I have been closely involved in the development and delivery of both TY and LCA programmes in our school. I am currently a member of our Board of Studies. I have been the ASTI School Steward since 2013.

I taught in Lesotho for six years where I gained valuable experience and insights.

I am a mother of four, ranging in age from 13 to 25, so I have a parent’s perspective on education. I am currently on the Board of Management of Tullamore College. I have also served on the BOM of Schoil Bhride, Tullamore and have vast experience on Parents’ Associations/Councils.

I am passionate about education. I envisage the Teaching Council as a support to, and advocate for, the teacher in the classroom.

If elected my focus will be on the support and welfare of my teaching colleagues in the classroom so that we can deliver optimum educational outcomes for all students.

Emily McLearie

Hi there and thanks for reading!

I am a teacher in St.Andrew's Secondary school in Dublin. Additionally I have worked in a number of specialist areas over the last 12 years- a hospital special school, a co-ordinator of a large Support for Learning Department in a mainstream secondary school and abroad in Scotland and Australia. As education becomes more specialised, it's important that mainstream teachers and teachers in specialist settings have support and representation. I am ideally placed as a young and dynamic teacher who has been very lucky to have experience in both to represent you.

Based on the statistics of the last election where under 10% of teachers voted, I feel quite disillusioned with our current system and what the teaching council do. I know many feel this way and already have a list of things my colleagues have questions about. I'm driven and passionate and as your representative will create the difference you want to see

Niall O'Connor

Le Chéile Secondary School, Mill Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

It is time for trust and it is time for change.

I believe in teaching but I believe in teachers even more. I believe they can deliver an outstanding education system through their passion, creativity, devotion and excellence. 

These teachers need to be supported and championed, be equally paid and new entrants to our profession supported and looked after. A partnership of trust and high quality professionalism is required to raise standards and foster respect. Teachers need to be listened to and their voices should be loudly heard.

It is time for trust and it is time for change.

I believe teachers should aspire to be their best teaching self and I believe teachers currently are. The qualifications they achieve and the professional development they undertake should be fully recognised.

Having taught abroad for ten years and now in Ireland, I have seen many different sides to the profession. I have gone through the processes of so many Irish teachers coming back to Ireland to teach and would bring the real world experiences and perspectives of teachers teaching in Ireland and abroad with me.

It is time for trust and it is time for change.

Seán O'Neill

St. Laurence College Loughlinstown Dublin 18

The Teaching Council needs to become a positive voice for teachers.  Now is the time to listen to members. Our profession has seen tremendous change and uncertainty.  The Teaching Council has been part of that change. It must actively engage with teachers to reflect the reality of life in school.  It has brought in many new initiatives and innovations which have changed education at a time of under investment in our schools and cuts in education spending. Droichead, Cosán, the emphasis on CPD and other initiatives, have and will create extra duties and responsibilities for teachers but will not create the necessary new employment opportunities. Therefore, the physical and mental wellbeing of teachers must be the most important issue in the planning of all innovations and policies in education. The Teaching Council has the remit to regulate the teaching profession, so it must demonstrate a duty of care for our teachers. I want our Teaching Council to enhance the teaching profession and support all our teachers. This is what I will fight for and I am asking for your vote.

Robert Whelan

The demands placed on teachers are set to increase again and therefore it is important that these elections to the Teaching Council elect the right candidates to represent teachers.

If elected I will:

a) Work to ensure that teachers are treated fairly and impartially in any “fitness to teach” hearings (due to commence shortly) that they may be subjected to in the future. Such hearings should only be held in private.

b) Look for reassurances that demands for teachers to engage in continuous professional development of teachers do not further impinge on their time or on the financial resources of teachers.

c) Hold the Teaching Council to account. All members of the Teaching Council should be visiting school staff meetings and taking questions from those who are paying for the Teaching Council - the registered teachers.

d) Seek an investigation into teachers deregistered from the Council before January 2014.

e) Seek a new deal for newly qualified teachers (NQTs) including an end to the ten post qualification lectures and a reduction in the number of post qualification teaching hours required at post-primary level before a teacher is classified as fully registered. No NQT should pay any fee on initial registration.

Audrey Byrne

Lucan Community College, Esker Road, Lucan, Co Dublin

My name is Audrey Byrne, I have been teaching for 20 years and currently teach Maths and Physics in Lucan Community College, Dublin.

Since its establishment in 2006 the Teaching Council has spent a lot of time discussing what it means to be a “Professional Teacher”. They have implemented many commendable programs such as “Droichead” and “FEILTE” 

Below are some of the issues I would like to address;

• Improved communications between the Teaching Council and its members
• The Garda vetting process is tedious and cumbersome for many NQT & non CID teachers who must re apply for Garda Vetting each time they commence a new position. This procedure must be reviewed.
• Procedures regarding “Fitness to Teach” (Section 5) need to be publicised more openly, as many teachers are currently unaware of the protocols and outcomes involved in this process.
• Transparency regarding membership fees. As of 2015 there were just over 91,000 teachers registered with the council. With a fee of €65 each this amounts to €5.9 million.

The reality teachers’ face every day in the classroom is constantly evolving. It is important that your representatives on the Teaching Council are aware of these challenges.

Denis Magner

I am the only official TUI endorsed candidate.

The Teaching Council’s mandate is essentially 

• To regulate and advocate  for the professions 

As a candidate for the ETB constituency of Leinster, I will provide a strong, experienced voice for teachers. I have life long experience across the education sectors, in the VEC and in the ETB sector.

Three Key areas of concern

1) Droichead

I will advocate for:

• A review period following the pilot Droichead programme.
• Adequate resources for implementing Droichead
• That teachers  involved are guaranteed paid placement of 300 hours

I will be proposing that Droichead be encompassed  within the Professional  Masters in Education Programme.

2) Cosán

Cosán is a compulsory CPD that teachers must undertake to retain their Teaching Council Registration. I will seek recognition as CPD  for existing ongoing learning activities  such as Staff meetings, Union meetings, Subject meetings, Professional conversations, Collaboration with other staff.

3) Fitness to Practice

The enactment of Part 5 ”Fitness to Practice” is of grave concern and the procedures must ensure that teachers are supported, treated fairly and with dignity and that  the majority of hearings are held in private to protect both the dignity of the teacher and   the school.

Eamonn White

Riversdale Community College, Blanchardstown Dublin 15

Eamonn White, from Palmerstown Dublin, is an Economics graduate from Maynooth University, who recently was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Management.

Eamonn currently teaches in a DEIS school, Riversdale Community College, Blanchardstown.

As well as teaching and coordinating the JCSP and LCVP, Eamonn has 15 years’ experience working for the SEC and has published two leaving Certificate textbooks.

Having worked for the DDLETB for 25 years Eamonn also served on a DDLETBs Curriculum Committee developing a FETAC Level 2 programme.

 As an active TUI member he has served as staff representative on the BOM as well as representing the County Dublin branch at Congress.

Eamonn aims to see equal status reinstated for new entrants to the teaching profession so as to ensure that teaching will remain a career that attracts high calibre professionals and wishes to improve upon the current terms and conditions of employment for teachers. Eamonn is also a fervent supporter of SEC external assessment of students work for the welfare of the students and teachers alike His hope for the Teaching Council is that it will continue to support the vital role of teachers during a time of great change within the system.

Gerard Cummins

St Clare's Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim

My name is Gerard Cummins and I am currently a member of the teaching staff at St Clare’s Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. I am proposing to stand as a candidate in the upcoming Teaching Council elections for the Community and Comprehensive sector and I would be grateful for your support.

As a teacher, I envisage the Teaching Council as a body that:

• Promotes excellence in teaching and learning
• Ensures that the profession is viewed as an excellent career choice and that it continues to attract people of all ages who have a passion for teaching and learning
• Has an investigative and disciplinary procedure that is fair, just and transparent towards any teacher that may have an allegation made against them

As a practicing Technical Graphics and Engineering teacher with thirteen years experience in a practical setting, I would endeavour to bring these skills that I have acquired in my teaching career to ensure the Community and Comprehensive sector has a strong voice at the Teaching Council table.

Mairéad Glynn

Is mise Mairéad Glynn agus is múinteoir eolaíochta mé i bPobalscoil Thamhlachta, Baile Átha Cliath. Táim ag lorg do vóta sa toghchán don Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta. Tá sé fíortábhachtach go mbeadh na daoine atá ag déanamh ionadaíochta duit ar an gComhairle ag cosaint agus ag feabhsú ár stádas proifisiúnta. Tá sé riachtanach go mbeidh an Chomhairle Mhúinteoireachta ar an eolas faoin mbrú agus faoin ualach oibre atá ag múinteoirí in ár scoileanna. Tá an clár ‘Droichead’ ar bhonn píolótach faoi láthair.  Caithfimid cinntiú go dtabharfaidh an clár ionduchtúcháin seo tacaíocht agus comhairle do mhúinteoirí nua-cháilithe, mar atá leagtha amach acu. Tá sé de dhualgas ar an gComhairle freisin na cuinsí airgeadais atá ag na múinteoirí nua-cháilithe a chur san áireamh. Má tá mé tofa, déanfaidh mé cinnte go mbeidh do ghuth cloiste ag an gComhairle, labhróidh mé ar do shon. 

Gerard Hogan

Kinsale Community School, Cork

The Teaching Council has two primary legislative mandates; one to regulate the standards for the profession and secondly to advocate for the profession. If elected, I undertake to give voice to these mandates.

A goal of the Teaching Council’s Strategic Plan (2015-2017) is to develop a national framework for continuous professional development (CPD) for teaching. I want to ensure that the finalised Cosán framework takes account of the complexities of our profession and that the Teaching Council understands the high level of professionalism that already exists in our schools.

I want to ensure that any Fitness to Practice procedure protects the good name and reputation of the teacher and that such hearings are conducted in private.

As a teacher involved in the pilot Droichead programme, I want to make sure that Newly Qualified Teachers are protected and that their experience and professional status is recognised, through the implementation of a revised model of induction and probation.

If elected, to the next Teaching Council, I will make certain that our interests as teachers are safeguarded and our professional standing enhanced. In that regard, I would appreciate your vote, as the ASTI endorsed candidate for the Community and Comprehensive School sector.

Cathal O’Donovan

Kinsale Community School, Cork

My name is Cathal O’Donovan and I teach WoodWork and Technical Graphics at Kinsale Community School, Co. Cork. I have decided to stand as an independent, non-political and non-union endorsed candidate in the Teaching Council elections for the community and comprehensive sector. I am asking for your vote so I can bring a fresh and authentic independent voice to represent all teachers. There are many issues that require serious improvement at the Teaching Council and I hope that if elected, I will be able to address them.

Many teachers have expressed their dissatisfaction to me with how the Teaching Council accredits their qualifications and degrees. This is something I hope to investigate. We also need clarity and transparency when it comes to how the Teaching Council communicates with teachers. 

The following points are going to drive my mandate if elected:

1. Making the Teaching Council more accessible to ordinary teachers.
2. Representing teachers who feel a big disconnect from the Teaching Council.
3. Advocating on behalf of NQT’S and part-time teachers.
4. Relaying back information to teachers regarding what the Teaching Council does.
5. Putting a face to the Teaching Council for the benefit of both teachers and students.

Elizabeth Cooney

We, as teachers, are entrusted with the responsibility of independent self-regulation and I value this privilege.  It is the fundamental and defining characteristic of our professionalism.  I believe that teachers are in the best position to determine professional standards and that we have an ethical responsibility to do so. 

Having taught for twenty-five years, I have great respect for teachers.  The Council must work to build and maintain public confidence and trust and that of teachers themselves.

The introduction of professional accreditation, including Cosán, and the implementation of Section 5 of the Teaching Council Act (Fitness to Practice) are immediate issues.  I will bring the practitioner perspective to the development of fair, transparent and effective systems that protect teachers and the pupils in their care. 

As an education researcher and PhD student, I understand the Council’s responsibility to support teacher learning.  In my experience, teachers are keen to engage in practitioner inquiry and much research of value is conducted but not diffused.  The re-introduction of research bursaries would enhance the Council’s advocacy role at home and abroad.  An interactive on-line forum could include research summaries and case studies to stimulate critical engagement by teachers. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Niall Duddy

I have a simple vision for the Teaching Council. We are governed by a Teaching Council which inspires, in us, a myriad of emotion and no small sense of wonder. So my vision is clear-cut. I want more from the Teaching Council. I want a Teaching Council that:

• adopts a more practical, supportive and meaningful role in helping teachers throughout every single stage of their career, from day one to retirement;
• assumes a more transparent, approachable demeanour and help teachers understand the Council’s functions, structure and role within the education system;
• plays a more active role in publicising the good work we do, both voluntarily and in the classroom, to the wider public.

Why vote for me? I’m not a politician. I’m a teacher with a verifiable reputation as a dynamic, tenacious and dedicated advocate of teachers and teachers’ rights. A teacher on the Council should bring these traits. If elected, I will work tirelessly to make our voice heard and represent our profession. I will keep teachers appraised of emerging issues and will try my best to form a familiar link between teachers on the ground and the Council that represents them.

Séamus Ó Fearraigh

Is múinteoir mé le ETB Thír Chonaill a bhfuil ocht mbliana’s fíche  de oiliúint daltaí slánaithe agam. I am a Member of the National Executive of the TUI, a Member of NCCA Junior Certificate Irish Curriculum Development Board and a Member of the Board of An Comhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. I teach in a Gaeltacht School in County Donegal.

The Teaching Council was established by statute in March, 2006. Its aim was to promote teaching as a profession and it envisaged that it would be a “respected voice for the profession and a guardian of teaching standards”.

If elected, I will be a strong voice representing and respecting the interests of all Teachers. It is my view that all CPD should be considered for Cosán and that the Droichead Programme should be closely monitored. I have grave concerns about the proposal to hold Fitness to Teach Inquiries in public as I strongly believe that every teacher is entitled to a right to privacy, to be supported and to be entitled to defend their good name in a private forum.

I want to see the Teaching Council work as a strong and positive forum for Teachers with tangible benefits to the profession.