30th June 2023
Last month, the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) and Maynooth University’s Turn to Teaching Community hosted a shared learning event promoting diversity and inclusion in the teaching profession. The event was entitled ‘Working Towards a Diverse and Inclusive Teaching Profession: A Shared Learning Event’
Following the event, the Department of Education undertook to meet Higher Education institutions and the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & and Science regarding diversity in the primary teaching profession.
Turn to Teaching promotes diversity in teaching through initiatives that increase participation from under-represented groups in society.
At the heart of the work, funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is a Level-6 programme, Think about Teaching Foundation Certificate, which provides a space for a diverse student group to identify and embark on defined pathways to careers as teachers in a range of educational sectors, including Early Childhood, Primary, Post-Primary and Further Education.
The programme has recorded many successes in its first five years with over 120 students successfully completing their respective programmes.
The INTO is committed to promoting and increasing diversity and inclusion in the teaching profession and looks forward to working with stakeholders in this regard following the important conversations which were started at the event.
Find out more about Turn to Teaching here.