The following letter from TUI President David Waters was published in the Irish Times this morning. It follows a report on increased drop-out rates during the 2020/21 academic year. 

Every year on 5th October, the TUI participates in World Teachers’ Day, an important celebration of, and tribute to, the world’s educators. It is a time to acknowledge all that you do and the vital role that you play in educating and unleashing the potential of the students you encounter throughout your career. Theme for 2023 The theme of the 2023 World Teachers’ Day is ‘The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.’ This is particularly relevant in Ireland given the current teacher recruitment and retention crisis afflicting schools around the country. The TUI continues to publicly campaign for real measures that will remedy this unacceptable situation.  A survey carried out by the Union earlier this year showed that of those recently appointed, less than a third of teachers (31%) appointed received a full-time contract, and just over one in ten teachers (13%) were offered permanent positions. This culture of precarious work is driving both potential and serving teachers away from the profession. We need to return to a system where teachers are offered full jobs and permanent contracts upon initial appointment. The duration of the Professional Master of Education (PME) should also be halved to a year to make the profession more affordable to those who wish to pursue it.   In addition, posts of responsibility must be restored to pre-cutback levels. Unilaterally cut by Government in 2009, they have never been fully restored. In our survey of members last year, only 18% disagreed with a statement that they would be more likely to remain in the profession if more Assistant Principal posts became available in their schools. Celebrate the Profession On World Teachers’ Day, it is important also to celebrate the profession and our enormous contribution to society. World Teachers’ Day promotes the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers (1966) and the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher Education Teaching Personnel (1997). Take the opportunity to celebrate all that you do, it is deserved. Make sure to mark this special occasion!  The 5th of October is an important day and as an acknowledgement of its importance – and yours – in promoting and sustaining the TUI’s core values of justice and inclusion, the members of the TUI in schools, colleges, institutes, technological universities, and centres are encouraged to mark the day with the purchase of refreshments for members. The cost of purchase can be recouped from the local branch by submitting receipts directly to the TUI Branch Treasurer.  Enjoy the occasion and thank you for your commitment to your students and their education!  

The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) was extremely saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Bride Rosney, a former member of the TUI Executive Committee and partner of Peter MacMenamin, former General Secretary of the TUI.