Written Answers. - Montessori Teachers.
Louis J. Belton
Question:
102
Mr. Belton
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he will introduce formal recognition of Montessori teachers for ordinary primary and remedial teaching in line with the commitments of his predecessor in view of the publication of the White Paper on Early Childhood Education.
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Certain Montessori teachers are granted restricted recognition to teach in certain special schools and classes. In addition, my Department has recently decided that such teachers are also eligible to apply for and take up positions as resource teachers for pupils with special needs.
The Montessori teachers who are entitled to restricted recognition are 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 Montessori College, Dun Laoghaire, who have successfully completed the Diploma or Degree in Humanities in Montessori Education recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards.
Montessori teachers are not currently recognised as fully qualified primary teachers or as remedial teachers, since they may be required to teach the full primary curriculum to the pupils to whom they are assigned.
Issues related to the training and qualifications of primary teachers are kept under review. At present the existing pre-service training of primary teachers is being reviewed. A working group undertaking that review is expected to complete its work before the summer. Following completion of that review it is proposed to put in place a review of the recognition of Montessori teachers as primary teachers and for remedial teaching.
The White Paper on Early Childhood Education, Ready to Learn, which was published last December, sets out a range of proposals concerning educational provision for children aged from birth to six years,. Initial planning for implementation of the recommendations made in Ready to Learn, including those which relate to Montessori teachers, is currently under way in my Department. Key principles underpinning the White Paper are that implementation will be undertaken on a phased basis and that progress will be achieved through a process of consultation with interested parties.
