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Teacher Training

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2022

Tuesday, 17 May 2022

Ceisteanna (444, 445)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

444. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education her views on the requirement that a minimum requisite base-level gender-knowledge and gender-sensitive teaching methods skillset be mandatory for all educators in order to register as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council, regardless of their chosen subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24241/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

445. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education her views on the requirement that a minimum requisite base-level gender-knowledge and gender-sensitive teaching methods skillset be mandatory for all educators in order to register as a post-primary teacher with the Teaching Council, regardless of their chosen subject; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24242/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 444 and 445 together.

The Teaching Council, as the professional regulatory body for teaching, has statutory responsibility for the accreditation of initial teacher education programmes and for the registration of post-primary teachers.

Revised standards for the accreditation of programmes of initial teacher education, Céim – Standards for Initial Teacher Education (ITE), were published by the Teaching Council in November 2020. Céim sets out the requirements that all ITE programmes in Ireland must meet in order to gain accreditation from the Teaching Council. It is also a benchmark for anybody seeking to register as a teacher in Ireland.

Under Céim, all ITE programmes shall include the core element of Global Citizenship Education which includes Education for Sustainable Development; Wellbeing (personal and community); Social Justice and Interculturalism. There should be demonstrable integration between Inclusive Education and Global Citizenship Education rooted in the principle of care for others .The concept of Global Citizenship Education is drawn from the UNESCO definition as outlined in the Céim glossary which includes building knowledge and skills to promote gender equality: Global Citizenship Education (GCED) GCED aims to empower learners of all ages to assume active roles, both locally and globally, in building more peaceful, tolerant, inclusive and secure societies. GCED ensures that all learners are provided with the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development. (UNESCO)

All initial teacher education programmes are currently undergoing an accreditation or reaccreditation process under Céim with the Teaching Council.

Recognising the importance of supporting our SPHE/RSE post-primary teachers, my Department recently announced the intention to provide funding for a new postgraduate programme to upskill registered post-primary teachers teaching SPHE/RSE. This programme will provide a pathway for progression for post-primary teachers interested in developing their skills in teaching SPHE/RSE and in so doing build capacity and leadership within the teaching profession in relation to the teaching of SPHE/RSE. A tender process to provide for a new upskilling course is currently underway.

In addition to the proposal to provide a new upskilling programme, the teacher education support services offer a range of continuing professional development courses relating to SPHE/RSE for teachers.

Question No. 445 answered with Question No. 444.
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