Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Teaching Qualifications.

Liam Aylward

Question:

141 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science if the qualifications of a Montessori teacher are considered sufficient for the post of resource teacher in a national school; and the requirements for this post. [20196/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

Only fully qualified primary teachers may be considered for appointment as resource teachers within my Department. Resource teachers may, as part of their work, be required to teach the full primary curriculum to the pupils to whom they are assigned and it is therefore necessary that they be competent to teach each aspect of it. In addition, resource teachers may be redeployed to positions in mainstream classes. Holders of Montessori qualifications alone would not therefore be considered eligible for appointment as resource teachers. This said, I have asked my officials to review such circumstances as may allow for greater flexibility in the qualifications required of resource teachers.

My Department does however grant certain categories of teachers, who are not fully qualified to teach in mainstream national schools, restricted recognition to teach in certain special schools and classes. Teachers with the Montessori qualification which is awarded on completion of the three year full-time course in the Association Montessori Internationale – AMI – College, Mount St. Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 14, and teachers trained in St. Nicholas, Dun Laoghaire, Montessori, who have successfully completed the full-time course of at least three years duration which is recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards may be granted such recognition.