Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
650. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education if a person with a Masters of Education from the United States, where they worked at university level teaching adults, and therefore did not hold a teaching licence, can have their qualification recognised in Ireland; and what course would a person need to complete in order to teach in Irish schools. [16622/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Teaching Council Acts 2001-2015 the Teaching Council is the body with statutory authority and responsibility for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland including the registration of teachers in the State. The Teaching Council registers teachers under the Teaching Council Act 2001-2015 and in line with the Teaching Council Registration Regulations, 2016.
As set out in the Schedule of the Regulations, the Council registers teachers under five routes of registration: Route 1 - Primary, Route 2 - Post-primary, Route 3 - Further Education, Route 4 - Other and Route 5 - Student Teacher. The minimum registration requirements for each route are set out in the Schedule of the regulations.
The Department does not have a role in the registration of individual teachers.
It is a requirement for teachers to register with the Teaching Council in order to be paid a salary by the State. Fully qualified teachers who have qualified outside of the Republic of Ireland are eligible to apply for registration with the Teaching Council. A person deemed to be a fully qualified teacher has completed a recognised teacher education qualification and any required programme of induction in the country in which they qualified and can provide an official letter from the relevant teacher registration body/teacher licensing body/Competent Authority or Ministry of Education confirming recognition as a fully qualified teacher in the State/ country.
The Teaching Council assesses overseas qualifications in accordance with the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016 and the EU Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2013/55/EC). Persons completing teacher education qualifications outside the State and seeking to register with the Teaching Council must have their qualifications assessed to determine that they are comparable to accredited qualifications in Ireland.
Following qualifications assessment, if qualification shortfalls are identified, the applicant is advised of the area of shortfall and offered conditional registration for a period of three years. They can address the area(s) of qualification shortfall either by aptitude test (completing study-based modules) or by adaptation period (by teaching in the areas of shortfall). This is in accordance with the terms of the EU Directive.
Teachers who hold registration with conditions are eligible for employment in accordance with Department of Education Circulars.
The person referred to in the Deputy's question should liaise directly with the Teaching Council regarding recognition of their qualifications. The Council may be contacted by e-mail on info@teachingcouncil.ie or by phone: +353 (0)1 6517900, or LoCall 1890 224 224.
Full information is also available on the on the Teaching Council of Ireland website.
