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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 3

Written Answers - Teaching Qualifications.

John Perry

Question:

229 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Montessori teachers in the four to seven year age group category with qualifications from Portobello College have not been included in the new school curriculum for September 2000; the plans he has in place to recognise the qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13787/00]

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, Dún Laoghaire, who have successfully completed the diploma or degree in humanities in Montessori education recognised by the National Council for Educational Awards.

Issues related to the training and qualifications of primary school 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. The position of all providers of Montessori teachers, including Portobello College, will be examined in the context of the review process.

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