Teaching in Ireland?

[ThatchersCold]

Hi all.

I am half Irish, although have never lived there, and seriously thinking about moving me and the dc over there in the next few years depending on what fresh hell Brexit brings to the U.K.

I am thinking about what I can do workwise. I graduated last year with a degree in social sciences, and am thinking teaching could be a good bet.

In the U.K. I know teachers are leaving the profession in droves because it has become ridiculously stressful. How does that compare to Irish schools? I’m not expecting a walk in the park but I’m hoping maybe it’s not so bad?

Also, does anyone know if English teaching qualifications are accepted there? That’s another slight issue; my subject isn’t one that’s generally taught in a lot of schools, and google hasn’t been too helpful with regards to whether sociology is particularly popular in Ireland. Am wondering if I’m better off working towards a post 16 level teaching qualification instead?

Any help would be great.

I haven't lived in Ireland for a while so my information won't be definitive. Are you hoping to teach in a secondary school? The Irish system is very different to the UK system. Sociology is definitely not taught for the Junior Cert (Irish equivalent of the GCSEs). A new subject (Politics and Society) has been launched for the Leaving Cert (equivalent of A levels) but I'd imagine very few schools will offer it until it gets more established.

You have to apply to the Teaching Council to have your qualifications recognised - you are expected to have a teaching qualification of some kind - do you?

My mum's been a secondary teacher in Ireland for nearly 40 years and loves it - she doesn't want to retire!

I think I would have to teach in a secondary school as from what I understand you need to be fluent in Gaelic to teach primary?

No I don’t have a teaching qualification yet, that’s why I wanted to know whether English qualifications would be accepted as if not I’d be better off waiting until we move before I trained. If sociology isn’t a thing in Ireland though it may be a bit of a non starter.

I forgot - there's now Civic Social and Political Education for Junior Cert, which is sociology related. You could do your teaching qualification in Ireland if that's financially viable? It takes two years.

I would not do a teaching qualification with the aim of teaching only CSPE, you'd never get a job. Whether it's right or not CSPE is seen as a filler on many teacher's timetables. It's also coming under the Wellbeing hours in Junior Cycle.

First step OP would be to contact the Teaching Council and see what, if any, subjects they would register you for. They would have to assess your degree and there may be a charge. You'll be able to get pretty good informal guidance before starting the official procedure. Don't even think about a teaching qualification without doing this first or it could be a very expensive waste of time.

The other option would be to think about Further Ed.

A shortage of secondary teachers is predicted but I would check what subjects are in high demand.
One note of caution regarding secondary teaching or further education in Ireland is that many posts are advertised as 'hours' rather than a proper job. This was a major problem during the recession and I heard of teachers employed for eight hours a week, spread over 5 days. Naturally they ended up doing far more than that but were paid a pittance.
It may have improved a bit but I don't think it's the secure job it once was.
On the upside, teachers don't have anything like the pressure and paperwork they have in the UK.

To an earlier question of yours, yes, you need to be fluent in Irish (and pass an exam) to teach in primary schools.
Contacting the TC is good advice

I am Irish, teaching in Ireland and with an English teaching qualification. You have to complete an exam on the history of Irish education before you will be allowed to join the Irish teaching council. You will not be able to teach unless you are a member. You should direct your enquiries to them. Shortage secondary subjects are maths, Irish, French, Spanish and German. I am not well today so please excuse poor punctuation!