Primary Teaching

Primary Teaching

CAO 2010 application figures reveal that the popularity of primary teaching has not been diminished by ongoing and well-publicised recruitment embargoes and government cut backs. The highly rewarding nature of the role and its conduciveness to a healthy worklife balance (generous holidays, etc), means that many school leavers remain committed to forging a career in teaching.

Two factors that offer hope with regard to career prospects for this generation of school leavers are potential economic recovery and Ireland’s population growth, which will see a natural rise in the recruitment of primary teachers.
 
Many complaints from workers is that they are bored in their job, a worry that will never face primary school teachers as each day promises to be different in its surprises and problems.  There is a high level of responsibility involved in being in charge of 30 ‘little angels’ every day, but if you feel challenged rather than terrified by the prospect then perhaps you might have what it takes…

Education

Students who wish to become primary school teachers will take a Bachelor of Education degree (BEd) at one of Ireland’s teacher training colleges.

Subjects on a BEd course will include the History, Philosophy and Sociology of Education, and you will also study all the subjects on the primary school curriculum, including Art, Irish Language, Music, Maths, P.E., Religious Studies and Social & Environmental Studies (Geography, History and Science).

Teaching practice is also undertaken, where you begin by observing teachers at work, before doing a certain amount of teaching hours yourself. It is also possible to become a primary teacher once you have completed an approved degree, and complete a postgraduate certificate, namely the Graduate Diploma in Primary Education. So don’t feel like you have to make a decision now!

The Work

Teaching graduates can find work as substitutes or temporary teachers relatively easily. However, securing a permanent position can be more difficult, and it can take a few years of covering in different schools around the country before you settle into a long-term role.

Bachelor of Education graduates can also work in other fields such as secondary education, as lecturers in third-level institutions or as school inspectors. There are also diverse careers in business, the media and the civil service that could suit some graduates.

You must teach the academic subjects on the national curriculum as well as looking after the personal, social and physical development of the children. Preparing lesson plans, setting homework, marking tests, calling the roll and keeping order in the classroom are all fundamental parts of the job.

Primary teachers can also be called upon to perform extra tasks beyond simply teaching the four-times-tables and basic Irish verbs. Depending on the age of your students and the day itself, you may be called upon to apply plasters to grazed knees, organise three-legged races or art competitions, and deal with disruptive students and doting parents.

Some people are naturally suited to dealing with rooms full of demanding children. Ask yourself if you possess qualities such as understanding, patience, sympathy and humour: all essential for survival!

Primary teachers obviously spend most of their time in the classroom. Some of the most appealing characteristics of teaching as a career are the relatively short days and long holidays. However, teaching balances these perks with the time spent in preparation, after-school activities, and with the stressful elements of classroom time.

Did you know?

In 1880 a School Attendance Act introduced compulsory attendance for all children between the ages of five and ten. In the Irish Republic today, education is compulsory for all children between the ages of six and fifteen.

Further Resources

• Department of Education and Science: www.education.ie
• Discover Primary Science – online resource for teachers and pupils: www.primaryscience.ie
• Scoilnet – online portal for Irish education: www.scoilnet.ie