A chara, – The article “Too many young people are being taught by unqualified personnel” highlighted the shortage of qualified staff in our schools (Judith Harford, Brian Fleming, Education, November 25th).
As part of the efforts to address this issue, has the Minister for Education considered restoring the qualification allowances for teachers? The ending of qualification allowances in 2011 removed the incentive not only for existing teachers to engage in further study and conduct research, a policy actively encouraged by the Teaching Council, but also dissuaded those holding qualifications such as master’s degrees and doctorates from entering the teaching profession.
Qualification allowances should be reinstated to attract our most qualified into teaching. Why are we not encouraging those who have taken their education to the highest level to our secondary schools? – Is mise,
EIMEAR McDONNELL,
Clarecastle,
Co Clare.