Union leaders claim programme for new teachers waters down existing help

REVISED supports for new teachers have been described by a union leader as watering down existing help to save Government funding.

Tánaiste and Education Minister Mary Coughlan revealed details of an induction programme for newly qualified primary and second level teachers from the next school year, aimed at helping them overcome challenges and problems and to adjust to the classroom dynamic. It will give them 20 hours of professional support and further development in out-of-school settings, beginning for all new primary teachers in September and as soon as possible in the new school year for newly-qualified second level teachers.

Announcing the system at the MacGill Summer School in her native Donegal, Ms Coughlan acknowledged that new teachers have been let down in the past by efforts to help them move from training and qualification into the classroom.