Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
255. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that schools have to cancel junior cycle technology subjects in-service training due to the lack of substitute teachers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3805/23]
View answerThe Department of Education is engaging with education stakeholders about the difficulty being experienced by schools in accessing substitutes for teacher absences at this time. It is recognised that there are continuing pressures in this area.
As part of a broad range of measures being progressed to address immediate issues, the Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) support service has deferred some of its planned CPD for this period, which includes CPD aimed at teachers of Junior Cycle Graphics. The other Junior Cycle technology subjects CPD, will continue as planned up to Easter, including Junior Cycle Engineering and Wood Technology, as this CPD does not necessitate teacher substitution. Similarly JCT whole school training will also continue as it too does not necessitate teacher substitution.
JCT Graphics CPD roll-out was set to commence on 23rd January and finish on 15th March. JCT will instead provide this CPD for these Graphics teachers in the post-Easter period and they are currently working on devising a new schedule for its roll-out, a schedule that will ensure minimum disruption to schools, and the work of this cohort of teachers, during the last term.
