Survey finds teachers working more [IrishTimes]
- Published: 01 April 2010
Second level teachers now work an average of 46 hours a week - even though they are only paid for 22 hours, according to a new survey commissioned by the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI).
The Behaviour & Attitudes study found teachers spend 24 hours per week working outside timetabled teaching hours. For a teacher on full (22) hours, this equates to a 46 hour week.
Some 80 per cent of teachers said discipline and conflict issues are on the increase, to the extent that they are distracting from the core business of teaching and learning.
The TUI said teachers are working harder than ever but that the profession had been demoralised by pay cuts and cutbacks in schools.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Education authority 'took two years to investigate claims of classroom abuse' [timesonline.co.uk]
- Published: 01 April 2010
An education authority took two years to investigate claims that a six-year-old girl had been sexually abused by classmates, it was alleged yesterday.
The girl, who claimed that she was being stripped and abused on a daily basis by up to 23 tormentors aged between 6 and 10, has since been moved to another school. No action has been taken against the other children involved.
Full Story: www.timesonline.co.uk
Cutbacks just a way of avoiding reforms [Independent.ie]
- Published: 31 March 2010
FORGIVE my cynicism when I hear that pay levels are likely to be restored in the public service once reforms have been achieved.
We have seen such "reforms" in the past, but actual improvements in efficiency and service levels have not followed. There will no doubt be cutbacks, but reforms are another matter altogether. Cutting numbers of nurses or increasing class sizes in schools is not reform, but it is what we should expect.
Real reform is just too bitter a pill for either the public service unions or the Government to swallow, but it is essential if we are ever to get our affairs in order and provide value for money for taxpayers.
Full Story: www.independent.ie
Primary Principals Raise €40k for Haiti Children's Education [waterford-today.ie]
- Published: 31 March 2010
In response to a suggestion from Principals attending the annual conference of the Irish Primary Principals'Network (IPPN), more than €40,000 has been raised by primary schools for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. The money raised will be specifically targeted towards re-building and equipping primary schools that were devastated by the earthquake. In addition, funds will also be used for health and education programmes in the worst affected areas. IPPN Director, Seán Cottrell said; 'Attending school has been identified as a crucial therapy for traumatised children.
Full Story: www.waterford-today.ie
Coughlan announces 353 fewer SNA posts [rte.ie]
- Published: 31 March 2010
Minister for Education Mary Coughlan has told the Dáil that 353 fewer special needs assistants will be sanctioned following completion of a review of special education.
The review was carried out by the National Council on Special Education.
Full Story: www.rte.ie
