Recognition of Professional Qualifications

cmssjone

Hi all,

Just a quick query about the recognition of professional qualifications process. According to the circular at http://www.into.ie/ROI/InformationforTeachers/DESCirculars/DESCirculars2010/Circular31_2010.pdf

Teacher Registration and Qualifications
European Council Directives on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications
The Minister for Education and Skills wishes to bring to the attention of schools and teachers the arrangements by the Teaching Council for the implementation of the European Council Directives on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, which were transposed into law by the Recognition of Professional Qualifications (Directive 2005/36/EC) Regulations 2008 (S.I. No. 139 of 2008). This statutory instrument sets out the manner in which professional qualifications obtained in one EU member State are recognised in all member States. For example, a teacher who has obtained qualified teacher status in an EU member State in compliance with the EU Directives is eligible to be registered as a teacher in this country, subject to certain conditions.
The 2008 Regulations provide for the imposition of compensatory measures by the competent authority to address shortfalls in qualifications that are identified as being substantial. Under the Regulations and the Teaching Council Act 2001, the Teaching Council is the competent/designated authority for the recognition of qualifications of teachers. For example, teachers who have acquired teaching qualifications in an EU member State whose professional education did not include elements considered necessary in the Irish school system (such as a qualification to teach Irish in the case of primary school teachers) may be required to make up the shortfall before being fully registered as a teacher by the Teaching Council. Generally, a teacher in this position will have the option to make good the shortfall(s) by passing an aptitude test or by satisfactorily completing an adaptation period. An adaptation period is defined in the Regulations as follows:
“adaptation period” means the pursuit of a regulated profession in the State under the responsibility of a qualified member of that profession, such period of supervised practice possibly being accompanied by further training. This period of supervised practice shall be the subject of an assessment. The detailed rules governing the adaptation period and its assessment as well as the status of an applicant under supervision shall be laid down by the relevant competent authority. The status enjoyed in the State by the person undergoing the period of supervised practice, in particular in the matter of right of residence as well as obligations, social rights and benefits, allowances and remuneration, shall be established by the relevant authorities in accordance with applicable Community law
Where teachers elect for an adaptation period, the authorities of the schools where such teachers are employed are requested to facilitate teachers in making good the identified shortfall(s).
This circular supersedes previous policies in this area.
Matters relating to the registration of teachers, including information in relation to compliance with the SI, are appropriate to the Teaching Council, Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.

I ambasically wondering why post-primary teachers are required to undergo an examination in the History of Teaching in Ireland before they become fully recognised? What does this add to the teaching qualification that they have already achieved in another country? Or is this just a cynical attempt at protectionism within the Irish education system?

Thanks in advance for any help

vallo

That quote doesn't mention anything about the History of Education for post-primary teachers.
Are they required to complete a module in this before they can be deemed qualified by the Teaching Council? If so, is there somewhere they can complete such a course? If so, what is the big deal?

cmssjone

vallo wrote: »

That quote doesn't mention anything about the History of Education for post-primary teachers.
Are they required to complete a module in this before they can be deemed qualified by the Teaching Council? If so, is there somewhere they can complete such a course? If so, what is the big deal?

For example, a teacher who has obtained qualified teacher status in an EU member State in compliance with the EU Directives is eligible to be registered as a teacher in this country, subject to certain conditions.

One of the conditions is that of taking this pointless examination. There is no need for this as it is not going to positively affect the teaching skills of a foreign teacher. The point is that it is yet another hoop for someone to jump through before they are paid the correct market wage.