Four INTO teachers on the profession
CHRISTINE SMYTH
St Anne's Fettercairn, Tallaght, Dublin. Teaching for four years
Best thing about teaching: Being in a position to have a real influence in young lives. It's so rewarding.
Worst thing:I Work in a band one Deis (disadvantaged school) so I see the social problems up close. It can be quite upsetting sometimes.
Are teachers under-appreciated by the public?It's a mixed bag. Most know teachers do a fantastic job, but there is a perception among some that teachers are glorified babysitters. I put 110 per cent in when I am teaching.
How do you rate Ruairí Quinn?I'm disappointed. There was a rowback on the Deis cuts but the education cuts are really hurting the system.
ORLA FAULKNER
Educate Together, Dublin 7. Teaching three years. Yet to secure permanent position
Best thing about teaching:Seeing children grow and develop and knowing you had a hand in this.
Worst thing:The lack of resources, constantly banging your head against a wall looking for additional resources. People make so many digs about the holidays - that can be challenging.
Are teachers under-appreciated by the public?It depends on who you talk to. There is a mass perception that we have an easy number, but those within the system know it is a very demanding job.
How do you rate Ruairí Quinn?The pragmatists would say he is doing what he can, and I acknowledge that. But the idealist in me says we need more in order to do a better job as teachers.
MICHAEL Mac DONNACHA
Scoil MacDara, Carraroe, Co Galway.* Teaching for nearly 30 years
Best thing about teaching:The interaction with children; it has to come back to that.
Worst thing:The increasing bureaucracy which means you have less time teaching.
Are teachers under-appreciated by the public?I don't think so. On the ground teachers are still held in high esteem by the public and by parents. There would be criticism levelled at the education system but not at teachers.
How do you rate Ruairí Quinn?I was very disappointed with his speech. It was all to do with economics, rather than education. He looked ill at ease. I was quite surprised. I would give him two out of 10. He fast-tracks everything - the Deis debacle, the small schools debacle - and then realises they will take more time.
*Seconded to professional development service for teachers
MICHELLE VATRICI
St Mary's National School, Tallaght, Dublin. Teaching for seven years
Best thing about teaching:The relationship you build up with the children - and the consistency you bring to their lives that they may not have anywhere else.
Worst thing:The attack on the services we are providing at the moment. My school is losing five teachers from September; it will dramatically reduce our capability.
Are teachers under-appreciated by the public?Certainly not when it comes to the parents in our schools. But the Government does not seem to have the same appreciation. The media is also portraying us negatively when we are doing our best.
How do you rate Ruairí Quinn?I'm disappointed. We are the only school in Tallaght which has not had the budget cuts reversed. We are expected to provide the same services with greatly reduced resources.