Registration conditions which Post-Primary Teachers must fulfill

Induction

Induction is a programme of education for teachers which takes place at the beginning of an Newly Qualified Teacher’s (NQT’s) career, soon after they have qualified. This phase consists of a series of professional induction workshops and further information about the process is available here

To apply for the programme, contact your local ATECI education centre.

Post Qualification Employment (PQE)

PQE is a normal condition for all newly qualified post-primary teachers. In order to meet the criteria to remove this condition, applicants must complete 300 hours teaching experience at a recognised post-primary school or Centre for Education. This experience must be verified by the institution principal/principals. A minimum of two-thirds (200 hours) of the approved experience must be spent in the teaching of a post-primary curricular subject to a class of students within their regular weekly timetable. The remaining one third may be carried out teaching non-timetable related activities. Like the qualification shortfalls, a newly qualified post-primary teacher has three years from the date of their registration to complete the PQE. Once it is completed, applicants should complete Form B

and have it signed by the principal/principals. Once the Teaching Council receive this form, the PQE condition will be removed.

The Droichead Pilot Scheme

Droichead is a post-qualification of continuous professional development for NQT’s where they will work alongside a fully qualified colleague in a professional setting. It will allow for a more experienced professional to mentor the NQT to ensure they satisfy certain criteria. It is possible for an NQT to complete the Droichead process instead of the probationary period, but this is still a pilot scheme. In the case of each school where Droichead is being piloted a Professional Support Team (PST) will work together to support the NQT. At the end of the process the PST will complete a form confirming to the Teaching Council that the NQT has completed the required minimum period of professional practice, has engaged professionally with school based induction activities, has demonstrated a commitment to teaching and learning and has demonstrated an ability to practise independently as a qualified, fully registered teacher. Applications and questions relating to the Droichead process can be made Here .

Qualification shortfalls

This is most regularly a condition applied to teachers who have qualified outside the Republic of Ireland, but may also be valid for NQT’s who graduated from the Irish system. If there are shortfalls, whether they be at undergraduate or teacher qualification level, the Teaching Council will highlight these to the applicant and they are given a timeframe in which this must be addressed. Normally, shortfalls can be overcome by the applicant completing and approved module or course or by completing a period of supervised practise, possibly in addition to further study.

Applicants may be granted conditional registration status for a maximum of three years from the date if initial registration so as to overcome any qualification shortfalls. If the applicant does not address these shortfalls within this defined period, their registration with the Teaching Council may lapse.

History and Structure of the Irish Education System

For post primary applicants who have completed the necessary post-primary teacher education qualification outside Ireland, a requirement is set for these persons to complete an aptitude test or probation period in the History & Structure of the Irish Education System. This test is held twice yearly by the Teaching council and can be applied for by emailing historyandstructure@teachingcouncil.ie