Katherine Donnelly: Frightening figures on 'babysitting' teachers must be wake-up call [Independent.ie]
- Published: 25 April 2011
THE damaging effects might take longer to show, but having a person with no teaching qualifications in front of a class compares with asking someone with no medical training to diagnose an illness.
If last year's OECD/PISA report showing a drop in literacy and numeracy levels among Irish 15-year-olds were shocking, today's revelations are scary.
There are many reasons to be uncomfortable about the figures exposing the extent of the use of unqualified and retired teachers in schools.
Retired teachers are soaking up opportunities that should go to new graduates attempting to build their careers. But at least it can be argued that retired teachers have the necessary qualifications for the job.
There is nothing to recommend having people with no qualifications in primary teaching at the top of a class.
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