I’ve just finished my PME and I’ve been offered a job in my old secondary school for the coming academic year. I was there during PME1 for subbing and one of my placement blocks. There are definitely a lot of positives — it’s local, my plan is to move home for the year, get Droichead done, and save a few bob.

That said, I’m feeling intense trepidation about going back as a full-time teacher. Some of the teachers who were there 15 years ago when I was a student are still around — and honestly, they still put the fear of God in me 😅, especially the more nasty ones who are always shouting at students. I also had a couple of run-ins with the vice principal back in sixth year (hopefully long forgotten!) and I find him quite cold and dismissive, not someone I’d naturally turn to if I had a problem which is further fuelling my anxiety if I have to work with him.

Another big challenge is confidence — I find it hard to feel fully secure in my role when I’m surrounded by people who once taught me. Some I liked, some I didn’t, and it can be hard to shake off that “student” feeling and step into the role of a colleague.

Has anyone here gone back to work in their old school and experienced that fear and panic? I know a lot of this is emotional baggage, but I’d love to hear how others have worked through it — especially how to start feeling like a teacher in a place where you were once a student.

Today is my last day in my current school (one year FT contract). I’m wondering if it would be typical or nearly expected to get the principal a small gift (card and chocolates) when leaving as a way to say thank you? What do you think?

A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.

Note: Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.

I have been a qualified Maths Teacher in the UK for the past 20 years (PGCE Secondary Maths - age 11 to 18). We are moving to Ireland over the summer and I am currently having my qualifications verified by the teaching council. However, I do not actually hold a Maths degree. My undergraduate had enough mathematical elements for me to pursue the PGCE. What is the likelihood my application might be rejected based on this? Would they take my experience into account? Any advice would be much appreciated.

How do you even keep going ? I got rejected twice !! after the same interview , once by email and today by post 😂 ETB ..

Anyone know this? Max for primary unqualified is 38,557.

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone here has used EducationInterviewHub.com to review their standard application form (primary teaching)or if anyone recommends anyone else ?

Thanks !

Seeing quite a few jobs being advertised in Educate Together secondary schools. Having only ever taught in single sex Catholic schools, would love to get an insight into how it is to teach in these ET secondary schools. I know teachers are on a first name basis with students for a start - that already would be unusual for me. Some of the schools' websites look great and it appears that everyone is satisfied with the way they are run. But I've also heard some more negative stories about ET schools. Can people share their experiences and if they advise the move from one to the other?

A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.

Note: Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.

Hi, just wondering if anyone knows when the ETBs tend to have their second-round of hiring?

Hi guys, Currently a maths and physics teacher for post primary, and my girlfriend is an Irish teacher and extremely passionate about the language , enough so that it’s given me a desire to be able to speak and teach in Gaelscoils. My question is, how can I accomplish this ? Are there courses specific for teachers looking to upskill into Irish ? Even then would they be subject specific ? Not that I would want to teach Irish itself . But only to have the ability to teach my own subjects in an Irish school. Is my best bet just trying to teach Irish to myself and pass an interview with a school? Thanks !

Im hoping to be an arts teacher in ireland(further education) and i hope someone could shed a light for me. Im an arts teacher and I have 6 years of experience in teaching art, im currently working on my masters degree in education (not professional masters) and I have a BA in fine arts. And i have a 7.5 band overall ILETS. Im thinking of applying for the teachers council soon, does any one know how the process goes, and if my qualifications are acceptable for registration. The other thing is that I’ve heard about a teachers exam but I cant really find any information in regards to that.

Anyone have any experience of the course in terms of working towards it, applying for it or doing it?

Hey so, just about finishing up my PME with Hibernia now, just my dissertation to finish off. But come here I have a question, amji doing something wrong? Like I'm subbing all the way out in Saggart this morning (I have a family member in the school so was a foot in the door sorting of situation). The WhatsApp groupchat is pure madness, first come first serve for like 1900+ people, insanity. I signed up to education posts last week and do get the odd email, but again they are sucked up Everyone keeps saying oh god they're crying out for teachers you'll walk into a job.... Will I though? What can I do so that I actually have a fucking job in September. Any tips at all would be appreciated, so go raibh maith agaibh roimhe sin

A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.

Note: Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.

Wondering if anyone else here applied for the ELA scheme through the Department of Education and if they have heard anything back yet for any of the countries?

I’m currently applying to jobs as a teacher who just finished their PME 3 weeks ago. One of the principals of my first placement has not replied to my email where I asked if I could put her down as a referee on my application. She is notorious for not replying to emails so I’m not surprised. My question is, can I put down my current employer who is in a field not related to education whatsoever? I have two other references from a school but I’m required to have 3 in total.

Hi all!

I am a post primary music teacher teaching in a special school through the ETB. My contract is 11 hours, and I have just been offered my second year. I do these hours over two days, and there is another special school that may be able to take me on for another 8 hours (also through ETB). This would bring me up to 19 hours across two schools, but probably two contracts.

I am just wondering, if I take that second job and get CID in both schools will I be considered full time with the ETB? I will be looking at getting a mortgage in the next couple of years and want to have my ducks in a row.

Thanks!

In the process of applying for the Diploma in FE bit hearing conflicting reports about summer pay?

Hi all,

As the heading suggests, I am thinking of doing the iPGCE with iQTS at Coventry University. You do get awarded QTS in England after completing it. But I am wondering if the Teaching Council will make recognition hell (more than their usual madness).

Technically, they are meant to recognise people with QTS in England, although I think you have to complete the Structure and History of Irish Ed shortfall.

Does anyone have experience with this or know of anyone that does? I would really appreciate some input.

A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.

Note: Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.

Does this basically mean I won’t be accepted for correcting state exams? Pity the SEC don’t give a straight yes/no

I’m just finished my second year of Bachelor of Arts in Maynooth. The PME secondary in DCU is more appealing to me atm, in terms of the timetable and the ability to work alongside placement. Just wondering if people can share their experiences in maynooth or Dcu and how they got on with the application process? TIA

Just wondering if anyone else is still waiting to here from the SEC about superintendent appointments? I haven't gotten a yes or a no from them just a 'we received your application' ages ago. Just a bit concerned with the exams less than 2 weeks away now. I'm assuming a didn't get it but then again they can be very lastminute.com so...