As the Deputy may be aware, the Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching is a blended learning, two year part-time programme. It is designed to assist practising 'out-of-field' teachers to acquire the extensive and complex integrated knowledge base, including mathematical and pedagogical knowledge, that is necessary for effective mathematics teaching at post-primary level. The programme makes special reference to Project Maths, the post primary mathematics curriculum.
Since September 2012 the Diploma has been made available nationwide to improve the skills of such teachers of mathematics. Provision of the Diploma is led by the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching & Learning (NCE-MSTL), based in the University of Limerick (UL). It is accredited jointly by UL and NUI Galway through their strategic alliance.
To be eligible for the programme a candidate must:
Be a qualified post primary teacher registered under Regulation Four of the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009 (but who is not qualified to teach mathematics);
Have a teaching contract at the time of application; Have a teaching contract at the time of course start date;
Be teaching post primary mathematics at Junior or Senior Cycle;
Have a commitment from their school that they will continue to teach mathematics in this employment.
