‘Significant’ interest among Ukrainian teachers in working in Irish schools

There has been “significant” interest among Ukrainian teachers in availing of a fast-track system which could allow them to teach in Irish classrooms.

Minister for Education Norma Foley said that while no teachers have yet been formally registered, this was likely to happen soon.

The move is aimed at helping to ensure schools are better able to meet the needs of an expected influx of students fleeing the war-torn country.

A total of about 5,000 Ukrainian students are formally registered with schools so far, but these numbers are expected to rise significantly. About 28,000 displaced Ukrainians have moved to Ireland since the Russian invasion in late February, with about one third estimated to be children.

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Ms Foley said newly arrived teachers will have the option of formally registering with the Teaching Council or working as tutors under a separate programme run by Education and Training Boards aimed at supporting students and their families.

“There are a variety of different options open,” she said. “It’s a positive indicator that so many have registered their interest and made inquiries with the Teachers’ Council. Equally so, that’s not for everyone; some may prefer taking up opportunities through the tutor scheme. We’re making the information available and we’ll work at pace that is suitable to individuals.”

Ms Foley was speaking at the launch of a futuristic Stem classroom at Dublin City University (DCU) which allows students to experience Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects in a hands-on way.

The “Newton Room” includes professional flight simulators and aims to deliver educational modules on mathematical concepts in an aviation setting. Other modules focus on coding and renewable energy.

The Newton concept was launched in Norway in 2003, prompted by the realisation that science teaching needed more practical content to inspire new generations of students.

As part of the programme, members of their team have trained DCU students from courses in aviation, science education and physics to deliver modules for hundreds of transition year students from all over the country throughout the next three weeks.

DCU president Prof Daire Keogh said international experience has shown the Newton Room to be an "extraordinarily engaging" Stem learning experience for student."

“The Newton Concept aligns closely with DCU’s innovative approach to Stem education, and complements our existing initiatives aimed at widening participation in these important subjects. We look forward to welcoming secondary school students and their teachers on campus to explore all that the Newton Room has to offer.”