Introduction
The Teaching Council is the regulator of the teaching profession in Ireland. Our role is to protect the public by promoting and regulating professional standards in teaching.
We fulfill that role by carrying out functions as follows:
- Maintaining a register of qualified and vetted teachers in Ireland. This ensures that teachers meet the necessary qualification, standards, competencies, and character requirements for registration.
- Establishing and upholding high standards for teachers in Ireland. The Council establishes standards across the entire career span for teachers including guidelines and codes related to their professional conduct, knowledge, skill, and competence.
- Ensuring the quality of initial teacher education programmes provided by higher education institutions in Ireland. This includes review and accreditation processes to maintain high standards of initial teacher education, which in turn contributes to the quality of teaching and learning in the country.
- Establishing standards to guide and support induction processes that are required on a statutory basis and promoting lifelong learning for registered teachers. This sets systematic benchmarks supporting the early stages of teachers’ career and encourages continuing professional learning throughout their careers.
- Commissioning and conducting research, using data and evidence to inform decision making and policy development. This provides evidence-based recommendations and contributes to discussions on educational policies, practices, and reforms, with the intention of ensuring high standards in the teaching profession.
Research, while named explicitly as one of the above functions, is also an enabler of all our other functions, since it provides the evidence needed to underpin all our work. Moreover, it helps us to fulfill our commitment to being a listening and learning organisation.
This strategy has been developed to guide our approach to research.
Developing this strategy
This strategy has been developed following a review of the previous strategy, and further to the following objective in our Strategic Plan (2022-2027):
“Review the Council’s research strategy, ensuring alignment with the Department of Education and its agencies and the growth of systemic connections”.
That review was informed by:
a) An internal review of the impact of the previous research strategy
b) An external review of our Researchers in Residence Scheme
c) A desk-based review of pertinent literature, and of policy and practice in comparable regulatory bodies.
Underpinning principles
In preparing this strategy, the Teaching Council identified the following principles which will underpin its approach to research:
- Strategic alignment: We will ensure our approach to research is aligned with our statutory responsibilities, as reflected in the goals and objectives in our Strategic Plan 2022 to 2027.
- Capacity-building: We will ensure that our in-house research function has capacity to lead the implementation of this strategy, in light of the wider organisational benefits which this strategy will deliver.
- Research culture: We will foster a strong research culture across the organisation, whereby research is valued and decisions across all our functions are informed by evidence.
- Collaboration: We will work to build and sustain mutually beneficial relationships with other professional regulators, and with relevant departments, agencies, and support services in order to ensure our research activities are aligned with policy developments in the wider research landscape and are appropriately mediated to practitioners. We will also support collaborative engagement by teachers in and with research, in line with Goal number 2 of our corporate strategy.
- Data: We will leverage the data we hold in house, including the diversity of data collected from registrants, to inform and influence policymaking.
- Teachers’ professional learning: In accordance with Section 39(2)(a) of the Teaching Council Act, we will focus in particular on research related to teachers’ professional learning. We will also support teachers’ professional learning through research, in order to promote excellence and good practice in teaching.
- Research ethics: We will adhere to the highest ethical standards in relation to research we conduct and expect the same standards from those carrying our research on our behalf or those carrying out research which has been supported by way of Council funding.
- Research sharing: We will make our research available to the greatest extent possible in order to maximise access and impact.
Reviewing this strategy
We will review this strategy again in 2026 to ensure its ongoing relevance to the wider corporate strategy.
Research overview in line with Teaching Council Strategy 2022-2027
Strategic Area 1: Teacher Registration and Supply
Ensure a sufficient supply of registered and vetted teachers to meet the identified needs of the school system, including diversity, in collaboration with the Department of Education, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and all stakeholders.
Research Approach
We will leverage the data we hold via the register of teachers to inform and influence policy on teacher workforce planning and diversity. In doing so, we will work collaboratively with the Department of Education to optimise impact. A strong emphasis on quantitative and anonymised data will underpin our work in this area.
We will use research to inform the review of our policies and the continuous improvement of our processes.
Our longitudinal research into the first decade of teachers’ professional lives will be a source of evidence to inform policy and practice in relation to a range of areas.
We will seek and avail of appropriate opportunities to share our research findings widely.
| Strategic Objectives | Research actions planned, in support of the strategic objectives |
|---|---|
| Ensure that all programmes of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) which are reviewed and accredited by the Teaching Council meet the standards set out in Céim and are aligned with national policy priorities. | Conduct research to inform a review and process evaluation of the first cycle of Céim programme accreditations. |
| Review Droichead in light of the implementation of the growth phase and update policy as appropriate. | Conduct mixed methods research to inform the review of Droichead. |
| Implement the new registration database NOVUS and position the Teaching Council as a leading innovator in the field of professional regulation, including digitisation. | Gather and analyse data to support an evidence-informed review of the effectiveness and efficiency of our existing registration database. Commission an external consultant to develop a technical specification for a software solution to host vetting disclosures. A key component of this work will be to conduct exploratory research to identify suitable options or companies to work with. |
| Provide accurate data to support the ongoing refinement of teacher supply modelling through leveraging NOVUS, the new registration database, in collaboration with the Department of Education and other stakeholders. | Develop a robust data strategy. Conduct an analysis of anonymised data from the register and produce and share regular insights reports highlighting significant trends over time. |
| Continue to streamline Council registration processes and procedures with a view to increasing efficiencies with a particular focus on registration subject to conditions and assessment of overseas teaching qualifications. | Conduct desk-based research to support enhanced recognition and registration processes for teachers who qualify outside of ROI. |
| Collaborate with relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the recruitment and substitution needs of schools are met with registered teachers on a systemic basis. | Conduct an analysis of anonymised data from the register and produce and share regular insights reports highlighting significant trends over time. |
Strategic Area 2: Collaborative Professional Communities for Sustainability
Provide practical frameworks and supports for collaborative professional communities with a particular focus on inclusion, joy, and creativity in quality teaching and learning.
Research Approach
Promote collaborative engagement with our research resources, thereby promoting collaborative professional learning through research.
Use research to inform the review of relevant strategies. Leverage the findings of the teachers’ professional journeys longitudinal research study to promote collaborative professionalism.
| Strategic Objectives | Research actions planned, in support of the strategic objectives |
|---|---|
| Collaborate with the Departments of Education, FHERIS, and other partners to promote and support teachers’ professionalism in schools and the wider education context, with a particular focus on sustainability, innovation, leadership, and research. | Monitor the progress of the Teachers’ Professional Journeys longitudinal research study, in collaboration with the Department of Education, identifying any opportunities to share the interim findings from the research to promote teachers’ professionalism. |
| Continue to progress the implementation of the key recommendations from the School Placement Work Group report and action plan in collaboration with the Department of Education and stakeholders. | Participate in DE/TC project team, supporting the design of four focus groups as part of the DE-led Treoraithe Professional Learning Group. |
| Promote the system-wide implementation of Cosán in collaboration with the Department of Education, its support services, and national stakeholders, to foster joy and creativity in learning. | No research actions planned in furtherance of this strategic objective. |
| Establish and support a Professional Learning Community of Cosán teachers to disseminate best practice and celebrate successes within schools, across regions and more generally. | Host research events to promote and celebrate teachers’ and schools’ shared professional learning through research. |
| Through the EU Technical Support Instrument project and BEACONS, and in collaboration with OECD, explore how BEACONS engagement models can help communities and national stakeholders support and encourage wellbeing, creativity, and inclusion for all. | No research actions planned in furtherance of this strategic objective. |
| Increase awareness of FÉILTE and expand its reach/impact by: (i) developing partnerships with key stakeholders, by (ii) providing content remotely/on-line in a hybrid context, and (iii) establishing regional networks. | No research actions planned in furtherance of this strategic objective. |
| Promote the Council’s research series, CROÍ, thereby making evidence and best practice more accessible, and supporting a research culture in the teaching profession. | Revise the Researchers in Residence Scheme in line with the findings of a recent external review of Round 1, and launch and implement the revised scheme to support collaborative engagement in and with research. Fund the final phase of development of T-REX.ie, and avail of associated opportunities to promote teachers’ learning by engaging in and with research. Rebrand the Using Research in Our School collection on our website, and use this collection to promote teachers’ professional learning through school[1]based engagement with research. |
| Review the Council’s research strategy, ensuring alignment with the Department and its agencies and the growth of systemic connections. | Conduct or commission an evaluation of the impact of this research strategy in advance of its review in late 2026. |
| Develop and implement an integrated communications and engagement strategy to incorporate clear objectives and deliverables, with a particular emphasis on plain English and Gaeilge shimplí. | Conduct or commission an evaluation of the impact of the Council’s Communications and Education Strategy in advance of its review in late 2026. Explore options for capturing feedback from the public about our services in a way that would allow for comparative analysis at identified timepoints |
| Conduct an analysis of queries being received through the Managed Services Solution, and track this over time to inform processes and procedures. |
Strategic Area 3: Fitness to Teach
Continue to ensure that Fitness to Teach processes are fair, appropriate, and effective in the interests of the public and profession.
Research approach
We will leverage the Fitness to Teach data we hold to inform our policy on fitness to teach and influence policy and practice in relation to teachers’ learning across the continuum.
A strong emphasis on quantitative and anonymised data will underpin our work in this area.
| Strategic Objectives | Research actions planned, in support of the strategic objectives |
|---|---|
| Engage with the Department of Education and national stakeholders: (i) on the establishment of section 28 procedures (Education Act 1998) to ensure that, where appropriate, disciplinary matters are resolved successfully at school level, with more serious issues notified to the Teaching Council and (ii) on the commencement of regulations to give effect to Section 37 of the Teaching Council Act. |
No research actions planned in furtherance of this strategic objective. |
| Review and revise, where appropriate, the communications which issue to the public and teachers regarding fitness to teach, with a particular emphasis on plain English to ensure greater accessibility. | Plan for the introduction of a process whereby fitness to practise data is analysed at particular timepoints and insights reports are produced and shared highlighting significant trends over time. |
| Complete a review of fitness to teach processes and, as required, streamline investigating and inquiry stages to optimise efficiencies from initiation to conclusion. | Commission an analysis of anonymised data from our fitness to teach work, culminating in the publication of a progress report that reflects on our work since the commencement of our functions in this area. Commission an external consultant to develop a technical specification for a case management solution. A key component of this work will be to conduct exploratory research to identify suitable options or companies to work with. |
Strategic Area 4: Corporate and Resourcing Sustainable Ways of Working
Maintain and enhance the Teaching Council’s flexible, collaborative, and innovative organisational culture that supports shared learning and responsiveness to regulatory requirement and national priorities.
Research approach
We will leverage HR data to support the ongoing development and the implementation of our people strategy. We will ensure we employ and develop staff with the appropriate skill sets to deliver this research strategy.
We will develop organisational strategies that are evidence informed. We will support a research culture in our organisation where quality research is valued as being integral to
policy making and service delivery.
We will ensure appropriate resources to facilitate the implementation of this strategy.
| Strategic Objectives | Research actions planned, in support of the strategic objectives |
|---|---|
| Develop a customised and integrated people strategy to support the implementation of the Council’s strategic objectives. | Gather anonymised data on relevant HR metrics such as attendance, blended working, sick leave, diversity, and turnover to support the development and implementation of the People Strategy. Conduct periodic learning needs analyses to support human resource development and succession planning. Develop research ethics guidelines to guide our research work. Provide induction and training in relation to the organisation’s research culture, strategy and its research ethics guidelines. |
| Implement blended working arrangements which support the Council’s strategic direction and reflect national guidelines. Maintain and enhance sustainable ways of working which support staff wellbeing and meet organisational efficiency objectives. |
Administer regular staff surveys to capture perspectives on staff wellbeing, effectiveness, workplace culture, etc. Conduct sustainability audits to inform the development and review of the Council’s climate action roadmap. |
| Complete periodic reviews of staffing levels against the strategic needs of the organisation and its financial resources. | Commission an evaluation of the managed services function to inform decisions about future resourcing. Utilise the OGP’s frameworks for the procurement of external research support to supplement internal capacity. |
| Complete a review of the current legislation regulating and promoting the teaching profession to inform and recommend changes. | No research actions planned in furtherance of this strategic objective. |
| Continue to align governance structures to our strategic priorities, by: (i) continuing to review security and IT systems, (ii) proactively progressing the internal audit plan and, in the context of the Code of Practice for State Bodies (2016), (iii) finalising the review of the Code of Practice for Council, members, Chairperson, Director and Secretary. | Conduct two internal board effectiveness reviews and commission one external one. |
| Increase awareness of the Council’s role and achievements in the areas of promotion, regulation, and excellence in teaching, learning and research through strengthening relationships with stakeholders and key audiences. | Gather data to support an externally commissioned review of the impact of the Teaching Council’s work in the first 20 years and share the findings to coincide with an event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Teaching Council. |
| Continue to deliver Council services and processes in an equitable and transparent way, placing human rights and equality at the core of how we perform our functions. | Commission research to inform the development of the Council’s EDI strategy. |
Summary
Research is one of the Council’s core functions and is also an enabler of the Council’s other functions, since it provides a sound evidence base for Council’s policymaking.
This strategy has been developed to guide the Council’s approach to research and ensure its research work supports the achievement of the Teaching Council’s statutory role and operational objectives in line with the corporate strategy (2022-2027). It will be supported by project plans that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound for optimum effectiveness.
This strategy will be reviewed in 2026 to ensure its ongoing relevance to the Council’s corporate strategy.