The Advisory Council for English Language Schools, ACELS, operates under the aegis of my Department and is responsible for the quality assurance of the teaching of English as a foreign language in Ireland. ACELS regulations stipulate that teachers must have a primary degree, or equivalent, and a TEFL, teaching English as a foreign language, course of a minimum 70 hours duration. The degree requirement is fully supported by industry and teachers' associations that are represented on the board of directors of ACELS. Holding a primary degree is a prerequisite for accreditation schemes around the world and can be considered as an international norm where English language teaching is concerned. Ireland's growing reputation as a provider of quality English language teaching would be seriously jeopardised, if the degree requirement were to be removed. For these reasons, no change is contemplated in the regulation concerning teachers' qualifications.
At present there is no recognition scheme for TEFL teacher training courses. In accordance with its remit to control standards in teacher training, both initial and in-career, for EFL teachers in Ireland, the ACELS initiated a project in 2000 to recognise such courses and qualifications and to provide a framework for professional development for English language teachers in Ireland. This project has involved all the major stakeholders in the country through regular consultation. Following on from this, it is proposed that the recognition scheme will be implemented in March 2003. Under this scheme, all teachers who successfully complete courses, which are recognised in accordance with the key standards and guidelines, will be registered with the ACELS once they are employed by a recognised language school in Ireland.
