The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has expressed concern that the reform of the Junior Certificate will impact negatively on those schools located in communities worst hit by the recession. The union has suggested that changes may be driven by a budgetary rather than educational rationale.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today warned that the loss of teachers in schools as a result of cutbacks is extremely damaging to the promotion of positive behaviour in the classroom. The union was responding to the publication of a report by the The National Council for Special Education (NCSE).

The Executive Committee of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has committed to a sustained national campaign to restore equal pay for equal work. The union has warned that the further cut to new entrant salaries as a result of the elimination of qualification allowances ‘threatens to destroy the profession.’

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has strongly criticised the further cut in the salaries of new teachers announced as part of today’s review of allowances. The review recommends removal of academic allowances for new entrants to the profession.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has strongly advised all students who receive their Junior Certificate results today to stay on and complete a Leaving Certificate programme.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today described elements of the OECD’s Education At A Glance 2012 report of being ‘a history lesson’ in terms of its relevance, given that most findings date from 2009 and 2010 and do not take account of more recent attacks on salary and education provision.

Responding to the publication of today’s report on the structuring of teacher training colleges, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said:

Teachers starting teaching for the first time this week will be paid substantially less than in previous years. Figures released by the three teacher unions show that this year, the starting salary of a new teacher on full hours is €27,814 which is €11,381 less than teachers recruited in 2010. This year’s reduction results from the non-payment of allowances to new teachers.

Students are advised not to be disheartened if they have not yet received a CAO offer this morning.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today cautioned that the new system of awarding of bonus points to those who pass Honours Maths at Honours level may have the unwelcome effect of depriving some students of third level places in disciplines in which they have an interest and expertise and which are not maths based. Moreover, the bonus points may not lead to an increase in the number of graduates in maths based disciplines.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today urged students to remain positive and optimistic, reminding them that the Leaving Cert is a signpost rather than the end of the road. The union is urging students to look at furthering their education in areas that stimulate and engage them.

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has warned that increasing casualisation of the teaching profession is making it more and more difficult for teachers to secure full hours and permanency.

 

The second annual report of the Public Service Pay Agreement implementation body shows that the agreement has delivered almost €900m in savings in its second year. The report was released today and its summary of the education savings show the considerable contribution of teachers and lecturers.