Published
The addition of new teachers to the register comes at a very important time when the demand for qualified teachers has intensified, particularly following from the pandemic. This is also in the context of the wider ongoing pressures in the economy that are having an effect on teacher supply and availability in Ireland.
The Teaching Council operates a fast-track summer registration process to ensure that newly qualified teachers are registered in advance of the new school year. Each of the newly qualified teachers has met the necessary standards to be admitted to the register.
Dr Lynn Ramsey, Director of the Teaching Council said, ‘Throughout their careers, teachers play an invaluable role in shaping our society through their dedication to the children and young people who they inspire and educate. We’re very pleased to welcome these newly qualified teachers, all of whom have achieved the high standards required to be admitted to the teaching profession in Ireland.
‘It’s deeply encouraging to see these teachers embarking on their professional journeys. We wholeheartedly celebrate their achievements in qualifying and commend the unwavering support of their families throughout this process. Our appreciation also extends to the higher education institutions who have provided them with excellent foundations for the profession of teaching and ongoing learning. Through these collective achievements, the potential that these teachers can bring to our teaching and learning communities across Ireland in the decades ahead is immense.’
Dr Ramsey noted that the Register of Teachers has grown each year since 2006 and is currently at its highest level in the history of the State. At present, each year there are up to 5,500 applicants for initial registration, who are eligible to teach in schools, resulting in a net growth of 3,600 registrants annually.
‘Over the past two years in particular, the Teaching Council has further streamlined and enhanced all registration systems and processes, also introducing a new online registration system that has added efficiencies to processes, making it easier for applicants to track applications in real time.
‘At present, the average processing time from application to completion of registration for applicants who qualified in Ireland is 2.6 weeks. This can vary for overseas applicants, however, every possible initiative is taken by the Teaching Council to ensure that these applications are completed successfully and in the shortest possible timeframe. Currently the Teaching Council receives approximately 600 applications from teachers who qualified abroad each year.
‘Further initiatives have also been introduced to support the supply of registered and vetted teachers, including legislation enabling teachers who qualified abroad to register and complete their induction (Droichead) in Ireland.’
In 2021, legislation was also enacted enabling student teachers to join the Register of Teachers and thereby to be available for substitute teaching roles. To be eligible, students teachers must have successfully completed the first two years of an accredited undergraduate programme of Initial Teacher Education. There are currently 1,965 student teachers registered with the Teaching Council.
From Friday, 1 September applications will open for Droichead, the integrated professional induction framework for newly qualified teachers. Designed in collaboration with the profession, Droichead supports the professional learning of newly qualified teachers as they start work in schools, laying the foundations for subsequent professional growth and learning in the phases of their career.
‘As the professional standards body for the teaching profession in Ireland, the Teaching Council promotes and regulates professional standards in teaching. This is crucial to ensure that the education provided by registered teachers meets the benchmark that students, parents, and society expect,’ Dr Ramsey concluded.
The Teaching Council’s register currently has in excess of 118,000 teachers across primary, post-primary, further education, and student teachers.