How to Become a Primary School Teacher in Ireland-10 Steps

In this article, we are going to talk about how to become a primary school teacher in Ireland.

So, if you’ve been thinking of becoming a primary school teacher, this article lists the benefits of teaching in Ireland and how you can do that.

RELATED: 20 Best Flight Schools in Ireland-Cost & Programs

Contents hide

Benefits of working as a primary school teacher in Ireland 

Comparing teaching in Ireland to teaching in the US or UK is like comparing apples to oranges.

In this country, education is a particularly prestigious career, and teachers receive generally better compensation and working conditions.

Young people desire to be teachers, and primary teacher training programs have some of the highest point requirements. Here are the benefits:

1. It is satisfying

The thing about teaching is that when you’re trying to educate children, you can see the benefits every day.

Little things like assisting a child in solving a problem or grasping a difficult concept can suddenly turn into tasks that are incredibly rewarding.

2. You’ll be changing things.

You will have the opportunity to have a very significant impact on the lives and education of these young children by teaching them.

After students transition to secondary school, this effect won’t necessarily go away.

3. Happy vacations

Don’t try to say you hadn’t thought of this benefit. Okay, so you might need to do some lesson preparation around the holidays and throughout Easter, but six weeks off during the summer are unquestionably nothing to complain about.

4. It could be fun

Young children can undoubtedly be challenging at times, but they can also be very funny.

Being able to laugh with your co-workers is undoubtedly a benefit of any job.

Additionally, you’ll have the option of using your imagination in some of your classes, which can be a fantastic way to have some fun.

5. Each day will be unique

Okay, so there are definitely many jobs that would assert that they would present new problems to an employee every day, but few of them will be as varied or unpredictable as the work you’ll be doing as a primary school teacher.

Lack of predictability may occasionally be challenging when dealing with children, but it will undoubtedly keep you on your toes.

RELATED: 4 Phlebotomy Courses in Ireland

Roles and Responsibilities of a Primary School Teacher 

Primary teachers do numerous everyday duties using their skills. Along with teaching, teachers are also in charge of planning, organizing, and documenting crucial student data. Here are some typical tasks performed by primary school teachers:

  • Making lesson plans using a curriculum that is age-appropriate
  • Creating lesson plans for several subject areas
  • Delivering teachings that are obvious
  • Assignment of work and exam scoring
  • Keeping track of a student’s performance and grades
  • Assisting students with inquiries about their assignments or lessons
  • Expressing concerns about students to parents
  • Collaborating with staff to accomplish school goals
  • Setting up and managing extracurricular activities

6 Important skills a primary school teacher should have 

Certain abilities are necessary because they enable teachers to successfully support students’ learning.

You may engage with pupils and enhance their educational experience by honing these talents.

Primary teaching abilities are crucial for both teachers and their students. Candidates with these talents may be sought after by school administrators as they indicate the candidate’s suitability for the position.

Education and development

To aid children in the development of their knowledge and abilities, primary instructors provide instructions and topic lessons.

It’s crucial to employ appropriate communication techniques whether you are tutoring kids one-on-one or leading a class discussion to make them open to learning.

Excellent teachers are knowledgeable with a range of information presentation techniques, such as presentations, conversations, reflective activities, and games. 

A proficient primary educator also understands how to employ words, narratives, and metaphors that leave an effect on kids.

By supporting them in locating tools like books, websites, software, and access to professionals or guest speakers that can advance their knowledge and skills, you can also help students build research skills.

Active Listening 

Active listening is necessary to develop other kinds of teaching skills in addition to being a crucial teaching skill in and of itself.

You may demonstrate to your kids that you are concerned about and understand their issues if you have good listening skills.

You can better comprehend your student’s capacity and openness to learning by practicing active listening.

With this information, you can modify your teaching strategies to accommodate different student demands, which could result in more successful learning.

You can either repeat their ideas back to them and ask whether you understood them correctly, or you can give feedback on specific ideas or comments to demonstrate that you have thoroughly understood their communications.

Establishing trust

Students may feel more driven to learn from you if you can earn their trust.

Although it takes time to establish trust, there are several things you can do to make the process go more swiftly. These actions consist of:

  • Unless they are in danger, keep the information that your students share with you private.
  • Keeping the commitments you’ve made to them
  • Maintaining their emotional and physical boundaries
  • Introducing yourself to them when you encounter them at school events or over lunch
  • Recognizing your errors and accepting responsibility for fixing them
  • If you disagree with them on something, politely let them know and explain why.

Motivation

One of the most important qualities of a great teacher is the capacity to provide your students with sincere support.

If you can motivate your students, you might be able to keep their attention and enthusiasm for learning.

Some students may experience difficulties and setbacks that have a detrimental effect on their motivation, particularly if they learn at a rate that differs from that of their peers.

By giving them words of support, you can give them the self-assurance they need to go beyond these challenges and keep getting better.

Offering constructive criticism

Constructive criticism or corrective feedback is crucial because it shows pupils where they may improve to do better in class.

Teachers who master the talent of giving constructive criticism delicately may find it simpler to engage with students and support their success.

Understanding what they can do differently and how to achieve it is crucial for pupils. You can give students feedback by:

  • Addressing the issue and its significance in a kind but clear manner
  • Supplying a solution that will address the problem right away
  • Describing many approaches to fixing the problem
  • Showing them the proper way to carry out the work
  • Using positive language and tone when offering comments
  • Urging pupils to ask questions if they require clarification on the assignment
  • Applauding students who implement your advice to make improvements.

Organizing

Because lessons are frequently cumulative, planning is one of the most crucial teaching techniques.

When instructing students on a particular subject, it is imperative that the teacher begins at the most fundamental level.

Teachers aid students in learning by beginning with basic concepts and progressively teaching more complex topics.

They can guarantee students are learning the appropriate material at the appropriate time by carefully planning their courses.

Planning enables teachers to deliver instruction on time. Students might have benchmarks or standards that the school expects them to learn at specific times.

Teachers can deliver classes to pupils who have diverse needs and learn at various rates by using their planning skills.

It can be beneficial to begin the planning process by determining each student’s proficiency level and the skills they are gaining.

Then, using your understanding of each student’s abilities and needs to tailor lesson plans to suit their requirements, you can set goals for each student based on their progress.

RELATED: 6 Best Dental Schools in Ireland-Tuition & Requirements

Ireland work visa and permit

Other EU/EEA/Swiss nationals are able to relocate to Ireland and take up job without a visa because Ireland is a member of the EU.

You will probably need to apply for an Ireland work visa if you are not a citizen of an EU, EEA, or Swiss member state. There are some exceptions, though, even in this situation.

If you fall into one of the following categories, you are free from needing an employment visa in Ireland and may work there without one:

  • You have a student visa for Ireland. During the academic year, international students are only permitted to work up to 20 hours a week, and during the holidays, they must work 40 hours. 
  • You are an Irish citizen’s spouse, civil partner, or parent who is a foreign national.
  • Ireland has granted you refugee status.
  • On the basis of humanitarian concerns, you have been given permission to stay.
  • You are working for a recognized research organization and conducting scientific research.
  • You are a postgraduate student, and your degree requires that you work.

Ireland Work Permit Requirements

You must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for an Ireland work permit:

  • A job offer or a labor contract from an Irish company is required.
  • Your employer must pass the Labour Markets Needs Test, which is used to make sure that the Irish employer couldn’t find an Irish or EU/EEA/Swiss citizen instead who would be qualified for the work, unless you are requesting a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
  • Depending on the occupation, your minimum yearly wage must be at least €30,000 or €80,000 if you’re seeking for a Critical Skills Employment Permit.
  • Your minimum annual salary must be at least €30,000 if you’re requesting a general employment permit.
  • The annual minimum salary for any other kind of Ireland work permit must equal the National Minimum Wage.
  • You must be hired by an Irish firm where at least 50% of the employers are citizens of the EU, EEA, or Swit

Ireland Work Permit Document Checklist

When applying for your Ireland work permit online, you must also upload a number of supporting papers.

Depending on the permission you’re looking for, different paperwork is required, however, it usually includes:

  • a duplicate of your passport, which includes a photo, your signature, and other personal information.
  • a photo the size of a passport that complies with Ireland’s photo criteria
  • a copy of the employment contract that you and the employer both signed.
  • a copy of your most recent immigration stamp, if you are a resident of Ireland at the time of application.
  • Information about a contact person, including name, job title, and contact information (phone, email, etc.).
  • The competent Irish regulatory authorities or government ministers have issued the company with the necessary registration, pin, or license number.
  • IDA/Enterprise Ireland’s letter of support, if any, in copy.
  • Information about your employer, including the name, address, and company registration number, as well as any pertinent certificates from recognized bodies.
  • Information about your employment, including your wage, duties, and length of time.

How to Become a Primary School Teacher in Ireland – 10 best steps

Below are the steps on how to become a primary school teacher in Ireland.

1. Research Bachelor’s Degree Program

This is your very first step on your way to becoming a primary school teacher in Ireland.

To become a teacher in Ireland you must register with the teaching council, however, registration is only possible when you’ve completed a series of programs, this being the first program.

The Teaching Council for Primary Teaching has authorized programs of primary starting teacher education at four state-funded higher education institutions (HEIs).

The Institutions include; 

  • Marino Institute of Education Griffith Ave., Dublin 9. Click here for more information.
  • Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Click here for more information.
  • Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Click here for more information     
  • Education, NUIM, Co. Kildare. Click here for more information.

RELATED: 9 Best Medical Schools in Ireland-Tuition & Programs

2. Apply for the Bachelor of Education Program

Each of the four HEIs mentioned above offers a 4-year full-time program that leads to a Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) degree.

If a student successfully completes the course, the Teaching Council may register them. For successful application each of the listed schools above has requirements and there are as follows; 

  • Marino Institute of Education Griffith Ave., Dublin 9. 

Applicants require these minimum entry requirements

  • No. Of Leaving Cert subjects: 6
  • Grade H5 on a higher-level paper in not less than three subjects.
  • Grade 06/H7 in three subjects 
  • Minimum grades:

    Irish – H4
    Maths – H7/O4
    English – H7/O4

For more information on the minimum entry requirements and the CAO application process, please see here.

  • Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. 

The Department of Education and Skills Minimum Entry Requirements for 2022 are here

  • Applicants must be at least 16 years old on 15 January of the year of entry.
  • Applicants must have obtained the following minimum grades at a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate examination:

Grade H5 on a Higher Level paper in not less than three subjects

Grade O6/H7 in three other subjects (Higher or Ordinary Level)

  • Applicants must have obtained the following grades, at minimum, in the following subjects:

    Gaeilge – Grade H4

    Mathematics – O4 or H7

    English – O4 or H7

Foundation Level Mathematics does not satisfy the entry requirement in Mathematics.

  • Note: Minimum grades required in Gaeilge, English and Mathematics can be obtained at different sittings of the Leaving Certificate Examination(s).

    The requirement to achieve a minimum of Grade H5 in three Higher Level papers and Grade O6/H7 in three other subjects (Higher or Ordinary Level) must be obtained in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination. 
  • Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

Link modules will be accepted for points purposes but they will not qualify as a subject for matriculation purposes.

  • GCE/GCSE Applicants

For further information about minimum grades and entry requirements please contact the MIC Admissions Office at this website.

  • Student Fitness to Teach Form

In order to establish students’ fitness to teach, all incoming teacher education students are required to complete a Student Fitness to Teach Form.

  • Garda Vetting /Criminal Records Bureau Check (for UK students)

Registration will be conditional upon successful completion of the Garda Vetting/CRB checking process.

  • Drumcondra, Dublin 9. 
SubjectIrishMathematics English 
Minimum Grade 1H4H7 or O4H7 or O4 
Mark60%<70 % 30% <40 % or 60% <7030% <40 or % 60% <70 %

H – Higher Level 

O – Ordinary Level

  • Education, NUIM, Co. Kildare 
Subject IrishMathematics English
Minimum Grade 1H4H7 or O4H7 or O4
Mark60%<70 % 30% <40 or % 60% <70 %30% <40 or % 60% <70 %

For more information on entry requirements click this link

3. Gain a bachelor of education program degree 

After you’ve applied as per the requirements given above for the different schools, the next step is to proceed and study to gain the degree for the bachelor of education program.

Below for each school is what the study course entails and how long it takes to complete it.

  • Marino Institute of Education Gsetting Ave., Dublin 9. 

You will learn how to instruct youngsters between the ages of 4 and 12 during the course of the program’s four years.

You will learn how children learn, what influences their learning, and how our understanding of this has developed through time in the foundation studies. 

Increase your understanding of curricular topics and discover effective teaching strategies for all primary school subjects. Participate in a school placement to learn about the difficulties and rewards of teaching in a supportive setting.

Click here for more information.

  • Mary Immaculate College, Limerick .

The Bachelor of Education is a full-time, four-year honors degree (Level 8) that prepares students to work as primary school teachers. Accredited by the Teaching Council, it aims to give learners the skills necessary to instruct at all primary school levels. 

This curriculum gives students the chance to consider their roles as learners, teachers, researchers, and leaders, reflecting the College’s well-established reputation for quality teacher education.

In addition to providing students with the chance to specialize in particular areas of teaching or the liberal arts, it also includes on-campus study and school placement. The B Ed program is insightful and demanding and will prepare you for a fulfilling future in education.

 Click here for more information.

  • Drumcondra, Dublin 9. 

Students learn the fundamentals required for teaching in Years One and Two. You’ll learn how kids think and engage in active learning.

Your curriculum courses will equip you to instruct all of the basic curriculum’s subjects using methods that increase students’ understanding and motivation.

You will also take psychology, philosophy, sociology, and history of education modules.

You will examine your prior knowledge and put it to use in a variety of circumstances in Year 3.

Your knowledge of the circumstances of the classroom and how to design for rich learning experiences will be improved.

You’ll discover how to interact with kids democratically so they may interact with the outside world in an ethical manner.

Year Four is all on developing your knowledge. It will provide you the chance to consider important educational concepts like social justice, inclusivity, and cooperation with the school community. Additionally, you’ll work on a research project.

For more information click here

  • Education, NUIM, Co. Kildare. 

There are 60 credits in a school year and the program is scheduled to run for four years.

A variety of education-related topics are studied in the first, second, third, and fourth years of the Single Major Bachelor of Education program.

Students pursuing this degree will be prepared to teach in primary schools. Throughout the course of the four years of this professional teaching degree, you will take education modules and complete a school-based placement.

The theoretical underpinnings of this degree are provided by the foundational fields of psychology, philosophy, sociology, and the history of education.

All four years include educational modules and school-based practice in a range of placement settings, along with a placement in the Gaeltacht for two-fortnight blocks at Easter in the second and third years.

Click here for more information. 

RELATED: 15 Top Nursing Schools in Ireland: Tuition & Requirements

4. Research professional masters in education program 

A two-year Professional Masters in Education (PME) (Primary Teaching) program is offered by the four higher education institutions (HEIs) mentioned in step 1 above that are financed by the state.

The latest class started in September 2017. The program is evaluated yearly, and if continuing, national publications are informed.

Hibernia College also offers a Professional Master in Education in Primary Teaching.

Hibernia College is a privately held, not-for-profit organization.

The Teaching Council has granted primary teaching accreditation to this 2-year blended learning program. For further information click the links listed above.

5. Apply to Professional Masters in Education Program

In October 2020, new modifications to the minimum admission standards for primary initial teacher education programs were announced.

These modifications raise the entry requirements for Leaving Certificate Math and English at Ordinary Level and Irish at Higher Level for programs of primary initial teacher education. For the lastest requirements, click here

RELATED: Over 50 Top Music Schools in Ireland|Full List

6. Gain Professional Masters in Education Degree

Postgraduate programs in Ireland generally run for a period of 2 years. The Professional Master in Education (Primary Teaching) is a two-year full-time degree that satisfies the professional standards of Teaching Council Regulations, Rule 2 (Primary).

Below the four state-funded schools where you can gain this master’s degree are listed, with links attached. Click on the links to get more information concerning the professional master’s in education program for each school.

  • Marino Institute of Education Griffith Ave., Dublin 9. Click here for more information.
  • Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Click here for more information.
  • Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Click here for more information.
  • Education, NUIM, Co. Kildare. Click here for more information.

7. Research the Teaching Council and Their Requirements 

The Teaching Council, which promotes and controls professional standards in teaching, is the organization responsible for setting the profession’s professional standards. It upholds and raises standards for the teaching profession while acting in the best interests of the general public.

It is important to register with the teaching council once you have obtained your degrees. On January 28, 2014, the Teaching Council Act, 2001’s Section 30 went into effect as ordered by the Minister of Education and Skills.

To receive a salary from the State, Section 30 mandates that teachers register with the Teaching Council. New applicants must meet the registration requirements. The requirements are listed here

8. Commence Registration With the Teaching Council

The Revised Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2016 specify the registration conditions that applicants must fulfill.

The Teaching Council takes character references into account during the registration process. Each person requesting registration must: 

  • Have a character reference form signed by a qualified individual.
  • Go through the vetting process. It is encouraged that applicants register for registration well in advance of their anticipated return to (or start of) teaching as this process could take up to 6 weeks.

9. Carry Out the Induction Workshop Program 

According to law, the Teaching Council must develop guidelines for the onboarding of newly trained teachers.

A program of teacher education called induction is offered during that crucial time at the start of a newly qualified teacher’s career, typically the first year after becoming a teacher.

An induction program’s goal is to provide the newly trained teacher with organized professional and individualized support.

The Council began testing a new school-based induction model called Droichead in September 2013.

For all NQTs who received their teacher education degree in 2012 or after, there is also an induction workshop program offered by the NIPT that must be completed in order to register. For more information on the induction, and workshop program click here

10. Probation

In September 2012, the portions of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 that deal with probation went into effect.

As a result, the Council is mandated by law to develop policies and standards for the probation of newly trained teachers.

All primary teachers must finish a probationary process in order to register fully, there becoming qualified teachers in Ireland. Click here for more details.

How Much are Primary Teachers Paid in Ireland 

According to a recent assessment by the European Commission, Irish teachers receive among the highest salaries in Europe.

Primary teachers in Ireland made an average gross salary of €58,975 in 2019 and 2020, ranking fourth in the EU, with wages ranging from €49,529 for teachers in their twenties to €73,747 for those in their fifties. For more detailed information on primary school, teacher salary click here.

RELATED: Nurses in Ireland-Pay, Top Requirements, Courses, IELTS, FAQs

What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Primary School Teacher in Ireland?

Irish language proficiency and Leaving Cert level study are prerequisites for instructors in elementary schools who wish to instruct in the Irish language.

Either an undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate Professional Master of Education program can prepare you for a career as a primary teacher (PME).

Is Primary Teaching a Good Career in Ireland?

According to a survey, primary school teachers have the best employment prospects of all undergraduate groups.

In Ireland, being a teacher still carries a lot of prestige. The relatively high CAO scores show that young people think it offers promising professional opportunities.

How Much Do Primary School Teachers Earn in Ireland?

The average gross annual salary for a primary school teacher in Ireland is €53,004, or roughly $4,420 gross per month.

Primary school teachers in Ireland typically make a starting salary of €39,235 gross per year. The highest annual gross remuneration for a primary school teacher in Ireland is €65,588.

How Many Hours Do Primary School Teachers work?

Teachers who are employed full-time often put in 37 hours a week, with typical class times running from 8.30 am to 9.15 am to 3.15 pm to 4 pm.

Teachers will spend more time after school hours organizing classes, grading papers, and participating in events like parent-teacher nights and field trips.

What Subjects Do You Need for Primary Teaching?

The Department of Education and Skills defines minimum entry requirements in the core disciplines of math, English, and Irish in addition to the points needed for admission to primary initial teacher education (ITE) programs.

Is it Hard to Get a Teaching Job in Ireland?

No teachers applied for positions at over 80% of the 131 second-level schools assessed by the Teachers Union of Ireland because schools found Irish to be the hardest subject to recruit for (TUI). The hardest-to-find teaching positions in schools are in home economics, french, math, and spanish.

Is Primary Teaching a Hard Course?

While the time spent in the classroom during a primary teacher’s day may seem brief, this task is incredibly demanding and demands intense inventiveness and energy in addition to constant concentration.

Is Primary School Teaching Stressful?

It was discovered that over a 30-month period, 19% to 29% of primary school teachers showed “clinically significant levels of despair.”

The poll backs with in-depth studies that demonstrate an increase in teachers’ levels of stress and anxiety. Do you have suggestions about how to become a primary school teacher in Ireland? Please leave a comment below.

Editor’s Pick

Was This Article Helpful? Tell Us What You Think.