asked the Minister for Education his policy towards recognising Montessori teachers in primary schools.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Montessori Teachers.
60.
The question of the acceptance of Montessori-trained teachers for recognition on the teaching staffs of national schools has been considered by my Department on a number of occasions. It was found that the nature and type of their training is not such as to equip them suitably to teach in ordinary national schools. They may be recognised, however, as teachers in national schools in which special education is provided for children who are mildly mentally handicapped or who are emotionally disturbed; and a number of them are, in fact, serving in such schools.
Could the Minister say what is the practice in relation to teachers with this qualification and this method of teaching in other countries because there is considerable pressure on all of us to have this recognition?
I have no doubt that there is pressure, but the fact is that it is not regarded as being suitable for ordinary schools, particularly having regard to the fact that we now have a new curriculum where flexibility and diversity are essential. The Montessori system is a relatively rigid one.
Could the Minister comment on the supplementary question I asked? Are these Montessori teachers recognised in other countries in a way in which they are not recognised here?
I have not that information. We recognise them here in special schools.