In the realm of primary and specialist education, the INTO proudly supports 6,500 headteachers and deputy headteachers across the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, we represent many educational leaders from both primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland. For a period stretching back to 156 years, headteachers, viewed as ‘primus inter pares’ or ‘the first among equals’ in their respective schools, have been vital members of our organisation.
Contrary to the opinion voiced by a secondary school headteacher, John McHugh (Letter, October 24th), we can unequivocally confirm that INTO discovers no contradictions in representing both our members who are headteachers and those who aren’t, which include assistant principals and those not promoted to leadership roles.
INTO has a dedicated national committee responsible for advising the central executive committee on matters related to school leadership, and they also organise a conference on school leadership every two years. We maintain a strong working relationship with the Irish Primary Principals Network (IPPN) and school managerial authorities, aiming to achieve shared goals, as displayed by our latest teacher provision survey.
Over the previous five years, INTO has advocated yearly for extra support in terms of school leadership, and has managed to claim numerous victories, such as: a weekly non-teaching day for teaching principals; 2,350 posts as assistant principal restorations, achieving long-standing claims for significant increases in primary school leader allowances; a decrease in registration numbers for the appointment of administrative principals and deputy principals; appointment of administrative principals in small schools with two or more specialised classes; and the appointment of administrative deputy principals in specialised schools.
Most recently, we have put forward several proposals which could benefit school leaders, for the Department of Education to evaluate under the local bargaining process in the public service agreement.
Substantiating the understanding that our alliance ought to persist in its relentless efforts on behalf of each and every member in the forthcoming epoch, we aim to advocate to the imminent Irish administration about the vital necessity of establishing Europe’s leading education system by 2030.
Imminent solutions to persistent issues confronting school principals will be a key highlight of our soon-to-be-unveiled General Election manifesto.
Throughout our extensive history, we have discerned that a collective strategy engaging all members, inclusive of our phenomenal school leaders, has most effectively facilitated our line of work. Unity is strength, while division leads to downfall. – Respectfully yours,
JOHN BOYLE,
Chief Secretary,
Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO).