Teaching:Focus on

Although we have said that primary and secondary teaching was not the only career option in the Education and Training area, it is still by far the most popular. The usual path to become a secondary school teacher is to complete a primary degree in one or two subjects and then go on to do your Higher Diploma (HDip) in Education. The Registration Council for Secondary Teachers recognise the HDip. as a suitable qualification in teacher training. The HDip is taught in all the National Universities of Ireland and in Trinity College Dublin. To apply, you must have taken an accepted subject/subjects to degree level.

Students enrolled on an HDip programme learn to develop an effective teaching method through subjects such as Teaching Skills and Educational Philosophy. Candidates also learn about administration and assessment. Capability in the classroom is an important part of the course - students develop the means to achieve teaching objectives effectively. Some of the areas dealt with are classroom management skills, methods and materials. Candidates also learn about special teaching methodologies.

The final module of the course is Teaching Practice. Work placement is an important element of the course. Students complete about 100 hours of teaching practice in the subjects they took at degree level and also spend time observing teachers in the classroom.

Higher Diploma in Education graduates work across the second level sector in Ireland - in secondary, vocational, community and comprehensive schools - where they teach one or two subjects across the age and ability range. The HDip is also widely accepted in other countries as signifying qualified teacher status. The majority of graduates go into teaching, but some may choose to go on to further study in either Education or their subject discipline.

Almost as popular as the HDip is the GradDip - Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary Teaching), an 18-month course for students with a degree who want to teach in national schools. Students learn subjects such as the history, philosophy and sociology of education and also gain competency in all the subjects on the primary school curriculum.

There are also a myriad of other taught education and training postgraduate courses available for qualified teachers who wish to change or enhance their career. In-career development programmes provide candidates with the opportunity to attend courses while still teaching – block release from school is arranged during designated periods. Programmes are provided in a range of areas, including special educational needs, learning support and guidance counselling.

The regular teacher is, after all, much more than a teacher. He or she is coach, leader, administrator, and counsellor for a whole community of young people during daytime hours - and that's not counting the hours that are put in when school is closed. Teaching can be hard, stressful work. A teaching career has its benefits however, real and emotional. The satisfaction of having taken a student right through their schooling and putting them on the road to their favoured career is a rare pleasure indeed. In addition, Irish educators have a great reputation abroad.
All this means that a postgraduate qualification in Education & Training is a worthwhile step to take for those interested in a career in the Education sector.