Teachers ‘pass pickets’ to attend Junior Cert reform training course

The Department of Education says some teachers attended training for a new junior cycle course despite union pickets on the venue.

Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) and Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) members are directed not to take part in professional development for junior cycle while the unions remain in dispute over reforms with which Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan is proceeding.

Officers of both unions picketed education centres in Monaghan and Sligo on Monday, where the first two sessions were scheduled for teachers of English. While none attended in Monaghan, the department said the Sligo training session was attended by teachers.