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Teaching Qualifications

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020

Tuesday, 23 June 2020

Ceisteanna (154, 169)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

154. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the guidance by the NIPT regarding the completion of the Droichead program of induction for newly qualified primary teachers has applied a cut-off date of 12 March 2020 to have completed the minimum 60-day block of teaching (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11919/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

169. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of a review undertaken of the conditions under which Droichead days are to be considered valid following the closure of schools. [11984/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 169 together.

The Teaching Council is the statutory body with responsibility for professional standards at all stages of the teaching career. It has established standards for post-qualification professional practice, as set out in Droichead, the integrated professional induction framework for newly qualified primary and post-primary teachers.

Due to Covid-19 and the unprecedented situation of school closures, the Teaching Council has announced revised arrangements which provide additional flexibility to support newly qualified teachers (NQTs) engaging in Droichead in 2019/2020 to complete the process. These arrangements balance the core principles of the policy which is the school based supportive process coupled with engagement in additional professional learning activities.

The Council has made a significant concession for NQTs who had not completed the full Droichead process within the minimum period of time by 12 March. This includes the recognition of all elements of Droichead which have been completed up to that date i.e. additional professional learning activities, observations, professional conversations, cluster meetings, Taisce (the professional learning portfolio) and days/hours taught. In normal circumstances this would not be the position.

The Council has also clarified that any time spent engaging in Droichead after 12 March can be included in verification of the Droichead process. This includes remote teaching and learning, professional discussions and online observations.

Droichead as a process is not simply about teaching time. From a professional standards point of view, it requires the agreement of the NQT and the Professional Support Team in the school that a quality induction process has occurred over the minimum period of time specified.

While I understand that the Council has communicated with all NQTs and schools affected, further details of the revised arrangements can be found at www.teachingcouncil.ie

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