S.I. No. 595/2009 - Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2009.

THE TEACHING COUNCIL (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 31 OF PART 3 OF THE TEACHING COUNCIL ACTS, 2001 TO 2006 (“THE ACT”)

Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 9th September, 2011.

The Teaching Council in exercise of the powers conferred on it by Section 31 of the Teaching Council Acts, 2001 to 2006, hereby makes the following regulations:

Citation

1.These Regulations may be cited as the TEACHING COUNCIL [REGISTRATION] REGULATIONS 2009.

Interpretation

2.These Regulations shall be interpreted in accordance with the Teaching Council Acts, 2001 to 2006.

REGULATION ONE

1.The information to be entered in the register shall include (but shall not be restricted to) the following:

(a) Name and address for correspondence;

(b) Date of birth;

(c) Personal Public Service Number (PPSN);

(d) Qualifications recognised for teaching purposes including recognised specialist qualifications;

(e) Additional qualifications not recognised for teaching purposes;

(f) Whether registration has been granted under one or more of the following regulations:

Regulation 2 (Primary), Regulation 3 (Montessori and Other Categories),

Regulation 4 (Post-primary), Regulation 5 (Further Education);

(g) Sub-section of section 31 of the Act under which a person is registered;

(h) Any conditions, including conditions as to probation, imposed under section 31(6)(b) of the Act;

(i) Registration number;

(j) Curricular subject where the teacher complied with the requirements of Regulation 4 under part 1 a) (ii), 1 c) (ii), or 2 (ii);

(k) Area of study where the teacher satisfied the requirements of Regulation 5;

(l) Registration Status (Full or Conditional);

(m) Date of registration;

(n) Name and address of employer where applicable;

(o) Current employment details including posts of responsibility held where applicable;

(p) The nomination/voting category as per the regulations made pursuant to section 10 of the Act;

(q) Any adverse findings consequent to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Part 5 of the Act and the period for which such information shall remain on the register;

(r) Any sanctions imposed under the disciplinary procedures of a designated competent authority in another State;

(s) Whether registration was granted under EU legislation (in accordance with S.I. No. 191 of 2008 and European Council Directive 2005/36/EC).

2. From time to time, the Council may approve further information to be entered on the Register.

3. The following information from the Register of Teachers shall be made available for public inspection:

(a) at the offices of the Teaching Council, by appointment:

(i) Name;

(ii) Registration Number;

(iii) Qualifications;

(iv) Regulation(s) under which the teacher is registered;

(v) Name of school where applicable;

(vi) Such other information as the Council may decide to publish and which is in compliance with data protection legislation.

(b) published on the website of the Teaching Council:

(i) Name;

(ii) Registration Number;

(iii) Regulation(s) under which the teacher is registered;

(iv) Name of school where applicable;

(v) Such other information as the Council may decide to publish and which is in compliance with data protection legislation.

4. The Council reserves the right to publish sanctions where it deems it appropriate to do so.

5. An application for entry onto the Register of Teachers shall be made in accordance with the Act and these regulations.

6. An application for registration shall be made in a form approved by the Council and shall be accompanied by a fee of such amount as shall be prescribed from time to time by the Council.

7. Subject to the provisions of the Act, a teacher who has been removed from the register may apply to the Council for registration and shall be subject to the provisions of these Regulations.

8.(a) For the purpose of character evidence under section 31(5)(c)(iv) of the Act applicants for registration shall be required to:

(i) submit an application to the Teaching Council for vetting by the Garda Central Vetting Unit or furnish a Police Clearance Certificate, orequivalent, if resident outside of Ireland; and

(ii) submit a declaration of any criminal convictions recorded against them; and

(iii) submit a declaration (including documentation) of any disciplinary process completed and findings issued by any other professional body, regulatory body or employer in the State or elsewhere (including the equivalent of the Teaching Council in any other jurisdiction) of which they have been the subject which resulted in suspension or dismissal; and

(iv) submit a declaration of any pending proceedings in relation to a charge of a criminal offence or disciplinary matter referred to at (ii) and/or (iii) of which they are to be the subject; and

(v) submit satisfactory character or employment reference(s).

(b) As part of the requirements for renewal of registration by a registered teacher, the Council may seek information regarding:

(i) any criminal convictions recorded against them since being registered or last renewing their registration with the Teaching Council;

(ii) any disciplinary process completed and findings issued by any other professional body, regulatory body or employer in the State or elsewhere (including the equivalent of the Teaching Council in any other jurisdiction) of which they have been the subject which resulted in suspension or dismissal.

(c) The relevance of a disciplinary finding which resulted in suspension or dismissal, or a criminal conviction, declared or revealed, as provided for in 8 a)(i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) or 8 b)(i) or (ii) above shall be considered by the Teaching Council.

9. The Council may seek a declaration or evidence of an applicant’s medical fitness as part of the registration process. The Council may also seek a declaration regarding medical fitness on renewal of registration.

10. The Council may publish a schedule of qualifications which are approved for the purposes of registration under regulations 2, 3, 4 and 5 from time to time.

11. The Council reserves the right to register applicants, subject to conditions in accordance with section 31(6)(b) of the Act. If shortfalls are identified in an applicant’s qualifications or in the absence of teaching experience, the Council may also grant conditional registration and the conditions imposed must be consistent with the Act.

12. An applicant accepted for registration shall receive a certificate of registration in the form set out below. In the case of loss or damage to a certificate, registered teachers who wish to have evidence of their registration may apply to the Council for a duplicate on payment of the prescribed fee.

Applicants registered in accordance with section 31(3) or section 31(5) of the Act shall be issued with a certificate of registration which may include the following:

(a) The name and registration number of the registered teacher;

(b) A statement confirming that the teacher has been admitted to the Register of Teachers by the Council as a teacher in accordance with section 31 of the Act;

(c) The subsection(s) of section 31 under which the teacher has been registered;

(d) A statement confirming that the teacher is in possession of the recognised professional qualifications, where so applicable;

(e) The category of recognised school for which the teacher’s professional qualifications are relevant, where so applicable;

(f) The date of registration;

(g) The signature of the person authorised on behalf of the Council to authenticate the registration certificate;

(h) A statement confirming that the certificate is issued under section 31(9) of the Teaching Council Acts, 2001 to 2006 and that under section 7 (2)(o) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 , and under Statutory Instrument No. 139 of 2008, the Teaching Council acts as the designated authority for the recognition of professional qualifications in Ireland (European Council Directive No. 2005/36/ EC) and as the competent authority for the recognition of qualifications obtained in a state other than a Member State of the European Communities;

(i)The full title and address of the Council.

13. On satisfying the conditions of Regulation 1 and 2 and/or 3 and/or 4 and/or 5, an applicant may be entered on the Register and the date of registration may be stated in the Register as either the date when the registration is affected or, where the Council thinks appropriate, an earlier date. This date may not be earlier than the first date onwhich the applicant has satisfied the conditions as provided by Regulation 1 and 2 and/or 3 and/or 4 and/or 5, or the date on which the applicant made application, whichever is the later.

14. Additional qualifications may, on application, be entered on the Register. The Council shall from time to time correct errors in the Register and shall enter in the Register every change which comes to its knowledge in respect of information entered in the Register. Where appropriate, a new certificate of registration may be issued on submission of the original certificate.

15. All applications for registration should be completed on the forms referred to in these regulations. Such application forms are available on the website of the Teaching Council. Communications on the subject of these regulations shall be addressed in writing to the Registration Officer of the Teaching Council, at the corporate address of the Council.

16. An application for registration shall not be valid unless the applicant meets the Council’s fee payment requirements as set out in the relevant application form.

17. The Council will, from time to time, publish the fee to be charged for initial admission to the register, readmission to the register, replacement of a certificate of registration, the fee for assessment of qualifications and the fee to be charged for renewal of registration each year thereafter.

18. If shortfalls are identified in an applicant’s qualifications or in the absence of teaching experience, the Council may grant conditional registration and the conditions imposed must be consistent with the Act.

19. Where an applicant qualifying under the European Council Directive 2005/36/EC applies for registration on the basis of qualifications and/or teaching experience recognised or obtained in a member state other than Ireland, the application shall be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2005/36/EC, as given effect by Statutory Instrument (S.I.) No. 139 of 2008, and this regulation. Please refer to the website of the Teaching Council to download these documents.

(a) Upon receipt of such an application, the Council shall assess whether, having regard to the applicant’s qualifications and/or teaching experience and the provisions of S.I. No. 139 of 2008 , the applicant is entitled to registration. For this purpose, it shall be incumbent on the applicant to supply such information as the Council may require in accordance with section 19 of S.I. No. 139 of 2008 to complete its assessment.

(b) In accordance with the provisions of section 23 of S.I. No. 139 of 2008 , a person who applies under this regulation shall be entitled to appeal to the High Court any decision of the Teaching Council, or the failure of the Teaching Council, in relation to an application made by such a person.

20. A person seeking registration under Regulations 2 to 5 may request an internal review of decision of the Council with regard to registration or the imposition of registration conditions. Further details about this procedure are available on the website of the Teaching Council. In accordance with section 31(8) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 , a person may also appeal a decision of the Council to the High Court for the annulment of the decision of the Council.

REGULATION TWO

PRIMARY

A person who applies to be entered on the Register on the basis of qualifications as a primary school teacher shall satisfy the Council that he/she has obtained one of the following:

1. A qualification in primary teacher education (Junior Infants to Sixth Class) which complies with the conditions set out hereunder:

(a) For those making application prior to and including 1 April 2013, a primary degree awarded by one of the Universities referred to in section 4(1) of the Universities Act or by the Higher Education Training Awards Council;

(b) For those making application after 1 April 2013, a primary degree at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications awarded by one of the Universities referred to in section 4(1) of the Universities Act or by the Higher Education Training Awards Council;

(c) The degree programme or qualification must, in the opinion of the Council, be adequate to enable the holder to teach the Primary School Curriculum (Curaclam naBunscoile) to all levels in a primary school;

(d) The degree programme shall include the following three major areas: Studies in the Foundations of Education, Professional Studies and a Practical Teaching Programme. Further details are available in Schedule One to these regulations;

(e) The degree programme shall extend over a minimum period of three years of full time study (or its equivalent) carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.

OR

2.(a) A primary degree or equivalent at level 8 or a qualification at level 9 or above on the National Qualifications Framework,

AND

(b)A qualification in primary teacher education (Junior Infants to Sixth Class) which complies with the provisions set out hereunder:

(i) The course must extend over a period or periods of at least 18 months of full-time study, or equivalent part time study, not being concurrent with the time of general educational preparation for any degree or its equivalent and should carry at least 90 ECTS credits;

(ii) The qualification must, in the opinion of the Council, be adequate to enable the holder to teach the Primary School Curriculum (Curaclam naBunscoile) to all levels in a primary school;

(iii) The programme shall include the following three major areas: Studies in the Foundations of Education, Professional Studies and a Practical Teaching Programme of which further details are available in Schedule One to these regulations;

(iv) The education component of the programme shall be designed to give students the theoretical foundation, pedagogical skills and teaching practice required for teaching at all levels of primary education.

OR

3. Third level qualification(s) other than those set forth in 1 or 2 above which, in the opinion of the Teaching Council, is/are of a standard equivalent to that required at 1 or 2 above including primary (or National) teacher qualifications previously recognised by the Minister for Education and Science for the purposes of teaching in a recognised primary school, provided that the qualification was obtained (or the applicant had commenced the course leading to the qualification) prior to the passing of these Regulations.

REGULATION THREE

MONTESSORI AND OTHER CATEGORIES

A person who applies to be entered on the Register on the basis of qualifications as a Montessori or other suitably qualified teacher shall satisfy the Council that he/she has obtained one of the following:

1. For those making application prior to and including 1 April 2013, a qualification (including undergraduate Montessori Qualifications) which, on assessment by the Council, is deemed to be acceptable for teaching pupils/students with special education needs in recognised mainstream primary schools and in recognised special schools where Irish is not a curriculum requirement.

2. For those making application after 1 April 2013, a qualification, including undergraduate Montessori Qualifications, (at a minimum of level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) which, on assessment by the Council, is deemed to be acceptable for teaching pupils/students with special education needs in recognised mainstream primary schools and in recognised special schools where Irish is not a curriculum requirement.

3. The degree programme shall extend over a minimum period of three years of full time study (or its equivalent) carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.

OR

4. A qualification (a primary degree at level 8 or a qualification at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications) which, on assessment by the Council, is deemed to be acceptable for teaching pupils/students with special education needs in post-primary schools.

OR

5. A qualification or qualifications other than those set forth in 1, 2 or 4 above which, in the opinion of the Teaching Council, is/are of an equivalent standard and is sufficient for registration, including qualifications previously recognised by the Minister for Education and Science for the purposes of teaching in a primary school, as long as the qualification was obtained (or the applicant had commenced the course leading to the qualification) prior to the passing of these Regulations.

REGULATION FOUR

POST PRIMARY

A person who applies to be entered on the Register on the basis of qualifications as a post-primary school teacher shall satisfy the Council that he/she has obtained one of the following:

1.(a) For those making application prior to and including 1 April 2013, a primary degree awarded by one of the Universities referred to in Section 4 (1) of the Universities Act 1997 or by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council such as may be recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a post-primary teacher in accordance with the provisions set out hereunder:

(i) The degree must be obtained following a course of at least three years full time study carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits;

(ii) The degree (or its equivalent) must comply with the minimum requirements as published by the Teaching Council so as to enable the holder to teach at least one of the approved subjects at the highest standard within the curriculum as approved by the Department of Education and Science;

AND

(b) A qualification in post-primary teacher education (First Year to Sixth Year) carrying at least 60 ECTS credits that was obtained after satisfactory completion of a course in the theory and practice of education which shall include the following three major areas: Studies in the Foundations of Education, Professional Studies, and the Practical Teaching Programme as set out in Schedule Two to these regulations. The Council may require a specific subject methodology in the post-primary teacher education qualifications in the case of applicants seeking registration on the basis of qualifications in certain curricular subjects. The Council shall publish a list of these subjects from time to time.

This provision will not apply to a person applying to be entered on the Register as a teacher in a VEC school until after 01 April 2013 (with the exception of the curricular subjects where the Council requires a specific methodology).

OR

(c) For those making application after 1 April 2013, a primary degree at level 8 or qualification at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications awarded by one of the Universities referred to in Section 4 (1) of the Universities Act 1997 or by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council such as may be recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a post-primary teacher in accordance with the provisions set out hereunder:

(i) The degree must be obtained following a course of at least three years full time study (or its equivalent) carrying at least 180 ECTS credits;

(ii) The degree must comply with the minimum requirements as published by the Teaching Council so as to enable the holder teach at least one of the approved subjects at the highest standard within the curriculum as approved by the Department of Education and Science.

AND

(d) A qualification in post-primary teacher education (First Year to Sixth Year) carrying at least 60 ECTS credits, obtained after satisfactory completion of a course in the theory and practice of education which shall include the following three major areas: Studies in the Foundations of Education, Professional Studies, and the Practical Teaching Programme as set out in Schedule Two to these regulations. The Council may require a specific subject methodology in the post-primary teacher education qualifications in the case of applicants seeking registration on the basis of qualifications in certain curricular subjects. The Council shall publish a list of these subjects from time to time.

OR

2. A qualification in post-primary teacher education (First Year to Sixth year) (not less than level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) awarded by one of the Universities referred to in Section 4 (1) of the Universities Act 1997 or by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, such as may be recognised by the Council on the basis of a concurrent course of academic study and post-primary teacher education, which complies with the conditions set out hereunder:

(i) The degree must be obtained following a course of at least four years full time study (or its equivalent) and carry at least 240 ECTS credits;

AND

(ii) The degree must comply with the minimum requirements as published by the Teaching Council so as to enable the holder teach at least one of the approved subjects at the highest standard within the curriculum as approved by the Department of Education and Science;

AND

(iii) The post-primary teacher education programme must be included in at least three of the four years, which shall include the following three major areas: Studies in the Foundations of Education, Professional Studies, and the Practical Teaching Programme as set out in Schedule Two to these regulations.

OR

3. A qualification or qualifications other than those set forth in 1 or 2 above which, in the opinion of the Teaching Council, is/are of an equivalent standard to that required at 1 or 2 above and is sufficient for registration, including qualifications previously recognised by the Minister for Education and Science or by the Registration Council for the purposes of teaching in a post-primary school per the circulars of the Department of Education and Science provided that the qualification was obtained (or at least the applicant had commenced the course) prior to the passing of these Regulations.

REGULATION FIVE

FURTHER EDUCATION

1. A person who applies to be entered on the Register on the basis of qualifications as a teacher in a recognised school whose qualifications are not comprehended by regulations 2, 3 or 4 will be considered under this regulation.

(a) This regulation will apply to persons who apply to be entered on the register as teachers of courses or programmes leading to FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) awards (or equivalent recognised accreditation) on the National Framework of Qualifications in recognised schools.

(b) A person who applies to be entered on the register as a teacher of post-primary curricular subjects up to Leaving Certificate examination level shall not be registered under this regulation but will be considered in accordance with Regulation 4.

(c) This regulation will not apply to persons instructing or tutoring in:

(i) Adult literacy or numeracy courses unless leading to accreditation per (a) above;

(ii) Courses of a pastime or hobby nature unless leading to accreditation per (a) above;

(iii) Self funding courses where the tutor or instructor is not being paid from State funds.

2. A person who applies to be entered on the register as a teacher under this regulation shall satisfy the Council that he/she has obtained:

(a) For those making application prior to and including 1 April 2013, a primary degree or equivalent carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, such as may be recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a teacher under this regulation in accordance with the provisions set out hereunder:

(b) For those making application after 1 April 2013, a primary degree or equivalent (not less than level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) carrying at least 180 ECTS credits, such as may be recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a teacher under this regulation in accordance with the provisions set out hereunder:

(i) The degree must be obtained following a course of at least three years full time study (or its equivalent); and,

(ii) meets such other requirements as the Teaching Council may publish from time to time.

AND

For those making application after 1 April 2013, a Council approved qualification in post-primary (First Year to Sixth Year) or further education teacher education.

OR

(c) An ordinary degree or equivalent (not less than level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework) carrying at least 180 ECTS credits; and,

(i) an appropriate additional qualification; or,

(ii) certified accreditation of prior learning based on a minimum of three years experience in a workplace or instructional setting which is relevant to the candidate’s qualifications such as may be recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a teacher under this regulation which meets such requirements as the Teaching Council may publish from time to time;

AND

For those making application after 1 April 2013, a Council approved teacher education qualification in Further Education.

OR

(d) Until 01 April 2013, an Advanced (National Craft) Certificate at not less than Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications as determined by FETAC together with relevant approved experience in a workplace supervisory role such as may be recognised by the Teaching Council as suitable for the purpose of registration as a teacher under this regulation in accordance with the provisions set out hereunder:

(i) The Advanced (National Craft) Certificate must be in a craft listed as an approved apprenticeship by FÁS or its equivalent;

(ii) The workplace supervisory role must be of at least five years duration;

(iii) Such other requirements as the Teaching Council may publish from time to time.

OR

(e) Any person who has achieved the qualifications previously recognised in accordance with Department of Education and Science circulars as long as the qualification was obtained (or at least the applicant had commenced the course leading to the qualification) prior to the passing of these Regulations.

SCHEDULE ONE

The following is an outline of the principal requirements of the Council in relation to a satisfactory course in the theory and practice of education for the purposes of Regulation 2.

The applicant must provide officially certified evidence of satisfactory achievement in initial teacher education as outlined hereunder.

The course of initial professional preparation shall include all three of the following major areas: Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education, Professional Studies, and a Practical Teaching Programme.

(A) Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education

Substantial courses in each of the following Foundation Disciplines of Education:

(i) Philosophy of Education;

(ii) Sociology of Education;

(iii) The Psychology of Teaching and Learning;

(iv) The Psychology of Child Development;

(v) History of Education;

(vi) Inclusion and Diversity — Meeting diverse needs including:

Children with Special Educational Needs, Educational Disadvantage and Intercultural Education.

The programme should have equipped the applicant with an understanding of the Foundation Disciplines of education as these relate to the study of educational issues. The Foundation Disciplines may have been taught separately or in an integrated way. If the disciplines were taught in an integrated way, the evidence provided by the applicant must clearly specify the precise content of the relevant modules as well as accurately specifying the amount of programme time devoted to the coverage of the relevant content or topic areas.

(B) Professional Studies

Substantial courses of relevant studies in professional studies in the pedagogy of the entire range of subjects which is included in the Primary School Curriculum (listed below). The courses should have been directed towards the entire age range of pupils in classes from Junior Infants to Sixth Class. They must have included:

(i) the content and teaching methodology of each subject;

(ii) an integrated understanding of early childhood education;

(iii) the principles of school organisation and classroom management;

(iv) use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning;

(v) assessment, evaluation and curriculum studies.

Curriculum Subjects as listed in the Primary School Curriculum:

(i) English;

(ii) Gaeilge;

(iii) Mathematics;

(iv) Social, Environmental, and Scientific Education (SESE):

a) History;

b) Geography;

c) Science;

(v) Arts Education:

a) Visual Arts;

b) Drama;

c) Music;

(vi) Physical Education;

(vii) Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE);

(viii) Such other areas as may be included in Curaclam na Bunscoile.

The programme of teacher education followed should have enabled participants to:

(i) acquire an understanding of appropriate ways of relating to and providing feedback to pupils, parents, fellow teachers and other professionals;

(ii) develop an understanding of, and skills in, teamwork and whole-school planning and development;

(iii) gain an understanding of their ethical and legal obligations as teachers.

(C) Practical Teaching Programme

The programme of teacher education followed by the applicant must have included practice in teaching under supervision in a recognised primary school. For the purposes of fulfilling this requirement, an applicant must have spent a minimum of 18 school weeks directly teaching a class or classes across the range of subjects in the Curriculum. The practice in teaching must also have been directly supervised by the university or college concerned.

The applicant must have passed the Teaching Practice element of his/her teacher education programme independently of other subject areas.

SCHEDULE TWO

The following is an outline of the principal requirements of the Council in relation to a satisfactory course in the theory and practice of education for the purposes of Regulation 4.

The applicant must provide officially certified evidence of satisfactory achievement in initial teacher education as outlined hereunder.

The course of initial professional preparation shall include the following three major areas: Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education, Professional Studies and a Practical Teaching Programme.

(A) Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education (Educational Sciences)

Basic studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education (Educational Sciences) in the following areas:

(i) Curriculum and Assessment;

(ii) Philosophy of Education;

(iii) Sociology of Education and School Organisation;

(iv) The History and Structure of Irish Education;

(v) The Psychology of Teaching and Learning/Adolescent Development;

(vi) Inclusion and Diversity — Meeting Diverse Needs including:

Children with Special Educational Needs, Disadvantaged pupils, Intercultural Education;

(vii) ICT in Education.

Studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education (Educational Sciences) should be enquiry based and provide the basis for reflective practice. They should enable the student to build a conceptual framework which will help to develop an informed and coherent theory of education not only for immediate needs in practical teaching but also for future professional development. The Foundation Disciplines (Educational Sciences) may be taught separately or in an integrated way and should provide experience in the foundation disciplines of education as these relate to the study of educational issues.

(B) Professional Studies

Professional studies in the pedagogy of the student teachers’ specialist subjects must be directed towards the age range of students in classes from First Year to Sixth Year and must be cognisant of the principles of life-long learning. They must include the methodology of teaching approved subjects and awareness of the need to address the literacy requirements of each subject as well as integrating the understanding of school organisation, ICT, evaluation and assessment and curriculum studies gained from the Foundation Disciplines. Students are expected to maintain a portfolio of their teaching practice material which should incorporate a reflective practice dimension.

A sound understanding of appropriate ways of relating to and providing feedback to pupils, parents and fellow teachers and other professionals, should form part of professional studies. Student teachers should also be enabled to develop understanding of and skills in team-work and whole-school planning and development. They should also acquire an understanding of their ethical and legal obligations as teachers.

The time devoted to studies in the Foundation Disciplines of Education and Professional Studies should normally not be less than 60% of overall course duration.

(C) Practical Teaching Programme

The course must include practice in teaching in a recognised second level school. For the purposes of fulfilling this requirement, an applicant must obtain a minimum of 100 hours of personal experience of directly teaching a class, or classes, in one or more approved subjects. The practice in teaching must also have been mentored and supervised by the university or college concerned. Including the hours spent in directly teaching a class or classes, the students will have an overall school experience with second level pupils of circa 200 hours duration. This experience will include opportunities for systematic observation, for collaborative work with school staff and for structured participation in school life.

Within the context of the developments arising from the Bologna Process, the Higher Diploma/Post-graduate Diploma in Education as part of the second cycle should carry at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits, with the corresponding student workload. In addition, the Higher Diploma/Post-graduate Diploma in Education should also aim to serve as a platform for, and to establish organic links with subsequent necessary continuous professional development, including formal induction into the profession.

GIVEN under the seal of the Teaching Council,

18 November 2009.

PAT McQUAILE,

Chairperson.

ÁINE LAWLOR,

Secretary & Director.

I, Batt O’Keeffe, T.D., Minister for Education and Science, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 4 and 31 of the Teaching Council Acts 2001 to 2006 hereby approve of, and consent to, these Regulations.

BATT O’KEEFE,

Minister for Education and Science.

Dated the 18 day of November 2009.