A recent survey has highlighted that half of Ireland’s younger teachers could think about relocating overseas for teaching positions. We sought the opinions of attendees at the Irish National Teachers Organisation annual meeting on the current state of the profession.
“Certainly rewarding jobs exist in the private sector that offer superior wages and less accountability.”
Claire O’Neill, Midleton
“I’m content with my teaching position, my school, my pupils and my community, thus going overseas isn’t very appealing to me. However, with increasing complexities, this could change. It’s perceived that we are constantly in search of more or advocating for better working environments, creating a negative image of us. Our positive contributions often go unnoticed.
“In the private sector, jobs may offer better pay and lesser responsibility. But, the stability and respect that teaching positions once promised seem to be depleting. When asked about my profession recently, I found myself minimising its importance, responding with ‘merely a teacher’. Despite a surge in understanding for our roles during the pandemic and consequent homeschooling, I question whether people truly appreciate the significance of our demands, like smaller classes.
“A growing demand is being placed on us with diminishing resources.”
Séan O’Connell, Fermoy
“If I were younger, I could be persuaded to pursue teaching opportunities abroad. I was fortunate enough to have purchased a house several years ago; a feat I doubt I could achieve now. I understand why many are moving overseas, and I have seen two of my friends go, save money, and eventually return. Irish teachers are often forced to spend €700-800 merely on rent, making saving for the future an impossible task.
“I still find teaching a rewarding profession, one I thoroughly enjoy. However, increasing administrative burdens are eating into our teaching time. While paperwork is a common element in all professions, the load in teaching has been mounting over the years.
“Additionally, we’re facing an overcrowded syllabus. Despite teachers’ naturally ambitious nature, an ever-growing demand balance by declining resources adds further strain.”
“There are considerable worries among teachers, particularly those concerned about special education issues. Many are dismayed by the delays that children face in receiving an assessment, sometimes having to wait from their second year until their sixth. Even for families who can afford private consultations, the waiting lists are extensive. This situation is hugely disappointing for the children involved.
Caítriona Ní Riada, principal of Gaelscoil Choráin in Youghal, brought attention to the difficulties of teacher recruitment. Teachers should ideally have a passion for their profession, however, issues such as staffing shortages pose significant problems. Many educators are seeking opportunities overseas, yet many do return from places such as Dubai, where the push for top grades is not as intense. The appeal of teaching would be increased if a second teacher was available in the classroom to provide a diverse and interesting curriculum. As a Gaelscoil, they particularly struggle with recruitment due to a shortage of Irish language resources. Despite these difficulties, Ní Riada asserts her satisfaction with her chosen career path, whilst acknowledging it’s growing complexities.
Nuala Groogan, a delegate from Omagh, expressed concerns that teaching is becoming less appealing and losing fresh talent to more lucrative opportunities. She pointed out numerous challenges faced by teachers: inadequate budgets, limited resources and overcrowded classrooms. Teachers are compensating for these shortfalls by self-financing basic stationery and other essential resources. With the increasing number of children requiring special education services, there’s a desperate need for additional resources. Groogan believes teaching must receive greater appreciation along with adequate funding and resources.
A recent poll indicates that most parents are worried that special education reforms could lead their children to lose essential resources.”