Teacher training set for major overhaul

A MAJOR overhaul of teacher training which could lead to significant changes in course content and possibly longer degree programmes is to begin shortly.

Department of Education officials have been in contact with interested parties and a spokesperson confirmed last night that formal contact with the relevant parties will be made in the coming weeks. She said the process arises from separate reports on primary and second-level teacher education, and last year’s OECD report on attracting and retaining effective teachers.

But Education Minister Mary Hanafin has already given clear indications of changes she may seek, particularly in relation to primary teaching degrees. In a speech on teacher education last May, she questioned the need for academic subjects as core requirements for primary school teachers.