New disciplinary code urged for underperforming teachers

PROCEDURES for dealing with badly performing teachers must be updated urgently, primary school managers have warned.

Under rules in place for 40 years, it takes up to 18 months to reach the point at which a school board can dismiss a teacher.

Catholic Primary School Managers Association (CPSMA) general secretary Fr Dan O’Connor said: “If it’s a matter of professional competence, the school board must bring it to the local inspector’s attention but the process is lengthened if a teacher appeals to the divisional inspector,” he said.