Newly Qualified Teachers: Ask for clarification about what teaching experience gained abroad can count towards PQE
Remember that this is after years of studying. You've worked hard to get that teaching degree and this 'conditional' registration can prevent you from getting some positions because you are not fully qualified. It can be a catch 22 situation.
Seeing as many are forced to move abroad in order to find work I am asking that teaching hours gained abroad count towards becoming fully registered. I simply ask that they be recognised. Teaching hours in England can count as far as I am aware. However, in the Middle East and elsewhere they MAY OR MAY NOT. These schools often follow similar curriculums. The Teaching Council could recognise these schools and this teaching experience instead of making even more barriers for newly qualified teachers.
I emailed the Council to clarify.
To whom it may concern at the teaching council,
I was just wondering about the 300 hours that NQTs have to get in order to go from being 'conditionally' registered to fully registered.
I understand that the Irish teaching council recognises teaching hours accumulated in England.
Are hours gained in the Middle East recognised? In what countries are teaching hours recognised?
The response I got was the following.
Thank you for your email.
Please find attached Form B. The criteria for these hours is laid out here.
All Form Bs are assessed on a case by case basis as we receive them.
So, it is assessed on a case by case basis. So, just risk moving and working for a year or two, send in form B and hope it is in an approved school.
If you do not complete 300 hours in the 3 years following your graduation they have the right to void your teaching qualification. You may request an extension provided you outline why you have failed to fulfil their conditions (i.e. you have not been able to find a teaching job).
This is something to be firm about. Earning a living is something the Teaching Council needs to support by recognising teaching experience further afield. Or at the very least, setting out clear guidelines as to what schools in what countries have been approved and recognised in the past.
Form B says employment can be in a state recognised second-level school in any state.
Case by case basis just doesn't sound firm enough. Be more explicit regarding the criteria or provide a list of schools that are recognised. It shouldn't take a freedom on information act to get this information as it is surely readily available to the people assessing the form Bs that are submitted.