asked the Minister for Education if it is still the case that certain categories of post-primary teacher, in particular some graduates who teach in vocational schools, may qualify to teach without any training in teaching as such.
Written Answers. - Qualifications of Post-Primary Teachers.
126.
The academic and technical qualifications and the qualifications in the Irish language for appointment as permanent whole-time teacher in second level vocational schools are set out in sections 8 and 9 of Memorandum V7 a copy of which I am forwarding to the Deputy.
The qualifications specified are minimum qualifications and section 8.2 of Memorandum V7 provides, inter alia:
Where the qualifications specified do not include a pass in a test in teaching, satisfactory progress at a short course in Methods of Teaching conducted by the Department may be required.
In practice, it has not been found necessary to invoke that provision as the majority of persons proposed for appointment as permanent whole-time teachers possess an acceptable qualification in teaching methods.
It should be noted that in specialist subject areas such as metalwork, woodwork, physical education, home economics, etc., teaching practice forms an integral part of the degree course.
For teachers in secondary and community and comprehensive schools a recognised qualification in teaching methodology is required.