Majority of teachers back mandatory dyslexia training

More than 60% of teachers said they don't know the best reading or spelling programme to use to optimally support dyslexic children. File picture

Thu, 08 Oct, 2026 - 06:00

Jess Casey

Many teachers and parents want to see mandatory dyslexia training for every teacher in Ireland, new research suggests.

The study carried out by Dyslexia Ireland, released to coincide with World Dyslexia Day on October 8, includes input from more than 900 teachers, parents, and students.

It found that more than 60% of teachers said they don't know the best reading or spelling programme to use to optimally support dyslexic children.

"We know what works," said Dyslexia Ireland chief executive Rosie Bissett.

"Structured, evidence-based literacy instruction, and we know it isn't reaching enough classrooms because teachers simply aren't being given the training to deliver it, and schools aren’t adequately resourced and guided.

"Schools and teachers should be provided with access to quality training on dyslexia and clear guidance on the evidence-informed approaches and interventions they should use to best support all students," she added.

The research from Dyslexia Ireland comes as a Budget 2027 briefing revealed the Department of Education plans to spend €6m on inclusive teacher training in 2027.

This will be the largest support ever issued in this area, aimed at addressing special education training for teachers, and will include a rollout of new, accredited courses in inclusive education across all schools.

The courses are expected to be fully funded for teachers, while substitutes are also planned to be backfilled so schools are not at a loss in terms of staffing.

It will also include three key initiatives for dyslexic young people, including a pilot scheme with DCU that will initially cover 40 schools.

Training for teachers is essential, said Minister of State Michael Moynihan, adding that the fully funded, accelerated courses in inclusive education will be “key” to developing expertise across all schools.