Second Level Teachers in Ireland teach in Post Primary or 'Secondary Schools', Community Schools and Colleges, Vocational Schools and Private Tuition Schools. They are expected to teach the curriculum that is agreed at a national level by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. www.ncca.ie

Qualifications and Requirements

To teach at second level you need:

•  A Higher Diploma in Education and a Primary Degree qualification (Most likely in the subject area you wish to teach) Or  a Specialised Education Degree (See below for more details).
  

   

•  To be registered with the Teaching Council of Ireland

   

   

• Excellent communication, organisational and inter-personal skills. 

   

Irish Language Requirements

Irish is no longer a requirement for second level education. However, if you teach Gaeilge as a subject or are employed in Gaeltacht schools and other schools where Irish is the medium of instruction you will be required to be fully proficient in Irish.

While the language is not required a certain level of proficiency is always desirable and can really make a difference on your C.V. –

Click here to view some resources for learning Irish

Registering with The Teaching Council

Secondary school teachers must be registered with The Teaching Council, 

click here for more information about The Teaching Council

Higher Diploma in Education

The Higher Diploma in Education (commonly referred to as a H.Dip.) is a one-year postgraduate course which includes course content relevant to teaching at second level (this can be general or subject specific). It also includes intensive teaching practice which involves placement in a school and responsibility for teaching classes.

The course is offered at the following colleges:

Trinity College Dublin

University College Dublin

University College Cork

National University of Ireland Maynooth

National University of Ireland, Galway.

Getting a Specialised Education Degree

It is possible to become a recognised second level teacher on the basis of certain recognised qualifications in Art, Home Economics, Music, Wood Work, Metal Work, Rural Science or Religious Education. Such teachers are educated mostly through a four year concurrent degree course.

For example, The National College of Art and Design currently offers both a Degree in Art and Design Education and a Higher Diploma in Art and Design Education. The degree course is four years long and includes three years teaching practice with very focused and relevant studies including sociology, philosophy of education and professional practice.

Teachers with a University Degree and a H.Dip. in Education (level 8) are not confined to the teaching of any specific subject. This is particularly relevant to teachers who are qualified, for example in History, but can also teach C.S.P.E. (Civic, Social and Political Education) because they have either experience or a lesser qualification in this subject.

Returning to College to Qualify

People who have been privately employed sometimes want a career change and see teaching as the ideal way to put their qualifications and wealth of experience to very good use. Most people in this situation have primary degrees in the area where they work, all that is required is a Higher Diploma.

This means returning to college. There are schemes in place, such as the "Returning to Education Scheme" to assist with the associated fees of returning to college, to read more please click here

Salary expectations for Secondary Level Teachers

Starting salaries for new teachers in the state education sector vary depending on the academic qualifications held on entry. The minimum starting salary for a newly qualified teacher is EUR 22,000 a year. Pay rises on a scale to EUR 54,500 a year approximately.

Approximate allowances in respect of special qualifications include: 

Primary Degree       Pass                                    EUR 1,714
Primary Degree       1st or 2nd honours               EUR 4,576

Masters Degree      Pass                                     EUR 4,576
Masters Degree      1st or 2nd honours                EUR 5,113

The Job Market 

There is a good level of vacancy advertising throughout the year but It’s fair to say that schools and colleges are most active in advertising positions during the May-October period when there are a lot of positions to be filled.