Droichead is the new integrated process for addressing post-qualification professional practice conditions and is the only route of induction for all primary and post-primary teachers registered from 1 June 2020.
The INTO brought about significant improvements in this process which benefit newly-qualified teachers. Among these are:
- Droichead is non-evaluative – principals/teachers support not evaluate NQTs through Droichead.
- There are specific supports such as substitute cover for release time/training for teachers supporting an NQT.
- Principal teachers are not obliged to be part of a PST (Professional Support Team).
- A teacher external to the school may be appointed to a PST.
For more information in relation to Droichead please visit the Teaching Council website which includes an FAQ section.
An online induction workshop programme is also available, through the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT), and completion of that programme is a registration requirement for all NQTs who graduated with their teacher education qualification in 2012 and subsequently.
Probation
As and from September 2020 Droichead is the only route of induction for all primary NQTs. The traditional process of Probation is no longer available. Please see the Post-qualification Professional Practice Procedures and Criteria 2021/2022 for detailed information on this legacy option.
The probationary process involved a minimum teaching service requirement (100 days) and incidental visits from a Department of Education and Skills Inspector, who prepared a report on the suitability of the teacher.
Teachers who began service on or after September 1st, 2010, should notify the Teaching Council once they have completed the required service requirement and have received a satisfactory report from the Department of Education and Skills Inspectorate. On fulfilling this condition by completing the service and competence requirements of the probationary process, registrants should complete Form C and return it to the Teaching Council.
