Employing a Teacher – Recruitment, Registration and Qualification

Last updated: Sat, Sep 16th, 2017 11:17:00 am

The appointment of teachers to fill teaching posts is a matter for the individual Board of Management, subject to agreed procedures, and must take account of all appropriate legislation. Only registered and qualified personnel should be employed by schools and unemployed teachers should be offered employment in preference to those who have retired. Registration under Route 2 is required for employment as a teacher in the community and comprehensive sector.

The Teaching Council is the statutory body in the Republic of Ireland for the recognition of teaching qualifications and for the registration of teachers.

It was established on a statutory basis in March 2006 to promote teaching as a profession at primary and post-primary levels, to promote the professional development of teachers and to regulate standards in the profession. Specifically its functions are as follows:

  • to promote teaching as a profession

  • to promote the continuing professional development of teachers

  • to establish and maintain a register of teachers

  • to establish, publish, review and maintain codes of professional conduct for teachers which include teaching knowledge, skill and competence

  • to regulate the teaching profession

  • to maintain and improve standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence

 

Recognition of teaching qualifications and for the registration of teachers.

Circular 0031/2011 (for post primary)  sets out the criteria for Teacher Recruitment Registration and Qualifications.

Registration

The Teaching Council has set down the qualifications required for registration as a teacher in a recognised school. All teachers must been registered with the Teaching Council and are required to renew their registration on an annual basis with the payment of a fee. Teachers must renew their registration annually in order for it to be maintained.

Section 30 of the Teaching Council Act (See DES CL 52/2013) commenced on November 1st 2013 and took effect on January 28th 2014. This provides that the DES is prohibited by law from paying unregistered people employed in teaching positions in schools except in specific circumstances and for very short periods of time (CL 52/2013).

Circular Letter 52/2013:

  • Explain the employment consequences for qualified and unqualified people employed in teaching posts in recognised schools who are unregistered on or after 28 January 2014.

  • Provide guidance to employers regarding the –

    • appointment of people to teaching posts and

    • procedures to be followed in the case of people who are unregistered on or after 28 January 2014.

A Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers which includes standards of teaching, knowledge, skill and competence has been published by the Teaching Council to which all practicing teachers are obliged to subscribe.

Details of registration procedures and of the work of the Council may be obtained on the Council website at http://www.teachingcouncil.ie/.

Procedures and essential documentation arising from the commencement of the Teaching Council Act (Section 30) are outlined on the Department of Education and Skills website