Introduction to Registration
Registration is a mark of professional recognition as a teacher and ensures that standards of entry to the profession are maintained.
In Ireland, only teachers who have met the registration requirements of the Teaching Council are permitted to teach in State recognised primary and post-primary schools* and have their salaries paid from state funds**.
The Minister for Education and Skills, in accordance with the authority conferred by section 24 of the Education Act 1998, directs that school authorities, as employers, ensure that teachers proposed for appointment to teaching posts for which salary grant is being sought must be
1. Registered with the Teaching Council in accordance with Section 31 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001
and
2. Have qualifications appropriate to the sector and suitable to the post for which s/he is proposed.
Registration as a teacher at primary or post-primary (including further education) level is governed by Section 31(5) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 and the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009.
The application process involves the submission of an application form, together with transcripts, proof of identity, evidence of character, other documentary evidence and the application fee. Each application is assessed having regard to set criteria in relation to qualifications and teaching experience as well as evidence of character. At the end of that process, registration may be granted in full or with conditions, or refused.
Applicants are offered the opportunity to have the outcome of the registration process reviewed if they so wish.
*In accordance with Section 10 of the Education Act, 1998
**The requirements to be registered will become mandatory under the terms of Section 30 the Teaching Council Act, 2001 when commenced by the Minister for Education and Science.
