In this article, we will be showing you how to become a secondary school teacher in Ireland. In order to be employed in a recognized school in Ireland, every teacher in the country is expected by law to register with the Teaching Council.
Secondary school teachers guide, teach, and instruct students between the ages of 11 and 16. In some cases, teachers who teach form six classes may teach students who are up to 19 years of age.
These teachers are trained to teach students who are preparing for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and GCE (General Certificate of Education) Level A tests.
These teachers not only teach students to pass exams, but they equally prepare them for the life ahead.
For an aspiring Secondary school teacher to get qualified to teach, he/she must go through certain training and acquire certain qualifications.
Steps on How to Become a Secondary School Teacher in Ireland
- Step 1. Graduate from High school
- Step 2. Check the Requirements for Becoming a Teacher
- Step 3. Acquire a Primary Degree
- Step 4. Finish up the One-Year Higher Diploma in Education Training
- Step 5. Take the Qualified Teacher Status Skill Test
- Step 6. Complete a Background Check
- Step 7. Enroll with the Teaching Council
- Step 8. Join Organization and Job boards
- Step 9. Start Practicing
Step 1: Graduate from High school
Someone who is aspiring to become a Secondary school teacher, he/she needs to graduate from high school to do so.
In Ireland, there are graduation requirements one needs to have for his/her certificate to be eligible for applying to become a Secondary school teacher.
Below are the requirements if you want to receive a High school diploma upon graduation:
| AREAS | CREDITS |
| English | 4.0 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 |
| Sciences | 3.0 |
| Fitness | 1.5 |
| Personal Finance | 1.0 |
| Wellness | 1.0 |
| Social Studies | 4.0 |
| Freshman writing seminar | 0.5 |
| Arts & Humanities and Electives | 5.0 |
| TOTAL | 24 |
Step 2: Check the Requirements for Becoming a Teacher
It is important to check the requirements for becoming a teacher in Ireland so you know what you are going into and if you are actually qualified for the job.
The professional body for teaching, which regulates the teaching profession in Ireland is the Teaching Council. There is a code of conduct for teachers provided by the Teaching Council, which includes the standards of teaching, skill, awareness, and competence. Refer to The Teaching Council for more information.
Secondary school teachers in Ireland are expected to teach at least one subject in which they have a degree. Secondary school teachers in Ireland don’t require a qualification in the Irish language except they are given employment by a Gaeltacht school or, a school where the Irish language is the medium of communication.
Qualification is mainly gained if an aspiring Secondary school teacher has a primary degree from a third-level institution that is recognized. The primary degree should include at least, 1 subject from the curriculum of post-primary for the Leaving Certificate Program.
Step 3: Acquire a Primary Degree
An aspiring Secondary school teacher in Ireland would have to get admitted to a university, complete his/her studies in the university and obtain a primary degree which can be obtained at a college approved by the National Council for Education Awards (NCEA).
An aspiring secondary school teacher will have to study in a university or college that offers the area of education he/she is interested in.
For instance, if an aspiring secondary school teacher is interested in teaching mathematics, he/she should ensure the college or university of choice offers a primary mathematics degree.
Step 4: Finish up the One-Year Higher Diploma in Education Training
An aspiring secondary school teacher would have to register at one of the education departments approved by the government which the Trinity College of Dublin offers and complete the one-year Higher Diploma in Education training.
This one-year training can be completed at any of the four universities of the National University of Ireland which is in Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Maynooth.
Step 5: Take the Qualified Teacher Status Skill Test
An aspiring secondary school teacher has to set out time to take the Qualified Teacher Status skills tests which will be from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).
He/she should pass numeracy, literacy, and information and communication technology (ICT). Passing these tests is important if one wants to become a Secondary school teacher in Ireland.
The Training and Development Agency for Schools advises that all qualified teachers have to pass the skills tests.
Step 6: Complete a Background Check
Another thing an aspiring Secondary school teacher in Ireland needs to do is go through and pass a background check from the Department of Education and Science.
After an aspiring teacher has acquired a Qualified Teacher Status, he/she would get a request to go through and complete a background check application form.
The form should be filled out using black ink. Every section in the form should be completed.
Step 7: Enroll with the Teaching Council
Get in touch with the Teaching Council to obtain and complete a post-primary application. This should be after the aspiring teacher has met the essential requirements.
Transcripts, evidence of identity, proof of character, and the required fees should be included.
Step 8: Join Organization and Job boards
Now, an aspiring Secondary school teacher would have to be a member of organizations and job boards like the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland, Careers Advice, Teaching Jobs, and the TUI (Teachers Union of Ireland).
It is also necessary to research vacant teaching positions, what changes are there in the education industry in the country, seminars, and conferences to attend for the purpose of networking and socializing with colleagues and learning stuff to be up to date with the latest happenings in the field.
To apply for jobs, you can equally contact different schools directly, and submit an application/cover letter and your resume to apply for different jobs.
Step 9: Start Practicing
Practicing as a secondary school teacher in Ireland entails teaching students between the ages of 11 and 18 and in some cases 19.
Secondary school teachers are trained to teach a particular subject. These teachers don’t only come in contact with students, they also come in contact with parents, caregivers, guardians, educational professionals, et cetera. Having seen how to become a secondary school teacher in Ireland, let us look at the responsibilities of a secondary school teacher.
Responsibilities of a secondary school teacher in Ireland include:
1. Planning and preparing lessons in addition to making and selecting materials used in learning.
2. Creating class rules and regulations
3. A Secondary school teacher would have direct contact with his/her students especially during school hours, except in cases of students who struggle with their academics. In this case, the teacher may give the student or students after-school mentoring and coaching.
4. A secondary school teacher checks and assesses the work of the students to know how well they are doing.
5. He/she teaches different classes in the course of the day in the subject of their specialty.
6. A secondary school teacher supervises the extracurricular activities of his or her students.
7. The will have to be up to date on the professional development of his/her line of work which is teaching.
8. A secondary school teacher will have to be in contact with parents and guardians and have a good relationship with them because this will help in knowing how the students are doing so as to help in their proper development and learning.
9. A secondary school teacher would attend staff meetings organized by the school he or she works in.
A secondary school teacher in Ireland will have to concentrate on teaching a particular subject which is most likely to be the subject he/she studied at the college or university.
What is the Function of The Teachers Council?
The Teaching Council is the professional standard body for teaching. It sets the professional standard for teaching, and promotes and regulates the teaching profession.
How Much Does a Secondary School Teacher Earn in Ireland
A Secondary School Teacher in Ireland, he/she earns an average of €56,736 gross per year, which is about €4,730 gross per month.
The starting salary of a Secondary School Teacher in Ireland is around €40,996 gross per year. The highest salary of a Secondary School Teacher in Ireland can reach and exceed €65,588 gross per year.
As an Aspiring Secondary School Teacher in Ireland, What Attributes and skills Should I have?
An aspiring secondary school teacher should:
1. Be calm and patient
2. Have organizational skills
3. Have good communication and presentation skills
4. Be fair
5. Have sound decision-making skills.
How Many Points Do I Need to be a Secondary School Teacher in Ireland?
To become a secondary school teacher in Ireland, an aspiring teacher needs a Minimum Entry Requirement of 2.2 Honours in Eligible Degree with at least one teaching subject which is taken to degree level.
What Are the Work Activities of a Secondary School Teacher?
The work activities of a secondary school teacher are:
1. Doing research, crafting, and writing new materials for teaching
2. Preparing, planning, and teaching his/her class
3. Assessing the students and recording their progress. Setting both oral and written examinations and tests.
4. Writing the reports for his/her students.
5. Taking up pastoral and supervisory responsibilities for the good of the students.
Are there opportunities for self-employment as a secondary school teacher in Ireland?
As a secondary school teacher in Ireland, it is uncertain that you would have another job that requires your presence. Although teachers can supplement their income by offering private tutoring, national examination invigilations, and marking and writing educational books.
Do you have suggestions about our steps on how to become a secondary school teacher in Ireland? Please leave a comment below.