New Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) President Gerry Quinn today stated that Minister Jan O’ Sullivan must be ready to negotiate meaningfully with teachers on the issue of Junior Cycle change. Teachers insist that any new programme must be externally assessed and nationally certified.
Speaking today, Mr Quinn said:
“Teachers favour positive reform that benefits the education system. However, they will not be party to changes that are educationally unsound and that do not serve the best interests of children.
TUI and ASTI members voted by 88% to 12% to take industrial action against the imposition of the new Junior Cycle Student Award programme. This huge mandate for industrial action was not given lightly and reflects a deep concern that the proposals will impact negatively on the educational experience of young people and on the quality of the education system.
Teachers want improvements that are based on equity and consistency. Put simply, any new programme must be externally assessed and nationally certificated. There is also genuine concern about the capacity of schools to deliver change of such magnitude after six years of ill-advised cutbacks.
We are most disappointed by the lack to date of meaningful engagement with unions. The meetings and working groups convened after the unilateral imposition of the new programme were little more than an exercise in frustration and procrastination that completely failed to address the key issues.
The OECD’s Government at a Glance 2013 report shows that, of 34 countries surveyed, Ireland enjoys the highest level of public satisfaction with the public education system and schools – 82 per cent compared to the OECD average of 66 per cent. These findings are echoed by the chief inspector’s 2013 report which shows that 87 per cent of parents are happy with the teaching standards in second-level schools. Such trust and confidence is the cornerstone of effective public education.
Prior to his departure, Minister Quinn indicated his willingness to engage with the unions on this issue. We now urge Minister O’ Sullivan to engage with us meaningfully to ensure that this hard-earned public trust is maintained.”
Gerry Quinn is the new President of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI). Originally from Clones in Monaghan, Gerry taught History and Geography in St Fergal’s College in Rathdowney, Co Laois. He has been active in the Laois branch of TUI for 15 years and served as Vice-President of TUI for the last two years.