Vol. 536 No. 5
356 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason only one Montessori qualification (details supplied) is recognised for the purposes of primary teaching; the plans he has to allow experienced Montessori teachers to convert their qualifications into full primary teacher qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/01]
Certain Montessori teachers are granted restricted recognition to teach in many special schools and in special classes in mainstream schools. 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 trained teachers, who are entitled to restricted recognition, are those 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 constantly under review. A review of the existing pre-service training of primary teachers is now at an advanced stage. As soon as this review has been completed I propose to examine the question of the recognition of Montessori teachers' qualifications. The issue raised by the Deputy will be examined as part of this process.
