In order to be appointed as a resource/ special needs teacher in a secondary school, an applicant for the post must, in the first instance, hold a third level qualification at degree level, which is recognised for the purpose of teaching at second level, together with a recognised training-in-teaching qualification. In addition, the applicant must hold an approved qualification in special education. In this regard, other suitable specialist qualifications or experience may be accepted where it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of my Department that the qualification or experience gained by the applicant is equivalent to an approved qualification in special education. Courses of study, leading to the award of a degree in psychology, have been assessed by both my Department and the Registration Council and are not deemed acceptable for the purpose of teaching at second level.