Teachers coping with recession.. Teachers only please

[carlovian]

I don't want to appear elitist. Well, maybe I do, but a pass arts degree and some political connections is hardly a good education.

If its good enough for cabinet, why not good enough for teaching ?

[kerrynorth]

Limerick Lad, I agree. I taught adults, in a technical training environment. It was enjoyable, and obviously adults are different teaching material than kids or adolescents.

Daydreaming was NOT on the cards for me, but sometimes the students did, nothing to do with my ability mind.... just that they could, sending an adult to the bold corner was not an option here!

I would not be a teacher of pre adults for all the tea in China.

I lectured full-time for a period in one of the ITs. In terms of the hours/holidays it was a dream compared to the private sector. You got every public holiday going plus 3 weeks at Christmas, 2 at Easter, Church holidays etc plus you were in effect off June as well as well July and August because all you did in June was go to the Exam boards for the courses you lectured on and tidied up all your administration (including claiming a couple of grand for marking YOUR OWN exam papers). Lecturing is a lot easier than teaching I'd imagine. First of you all you set your own exam papers where the only external input is that the extern examiners have to vet them and I have never heard a word back from externs as to any exam papers I set looking for changes on the basis that they are too hard/easy etc. Whereas in 2nd level you have this external benchmark in the exams and how your students preform, at 3rd level you in effect set your own benchmark.

As to students at 3rd level its up to the students themselves to perform - it is no reflection on you. I did one year have a part-time night course to deliver that was the exact same as the day full-time course. Trying to get a reaction to the areas you are lecturing (economics in this case) was impossible with the day students but with the night-time mainly mature students there would be no end of discussion, and excellent it was too and to my mind was the best form of learning I have come across. So the part-timers were intense but really good enjoyable interaction whereas the full-timers just sat back with a 'feed me' expression on their face with no engagement bar from the same couple of individuals. That was my experience anyway.

[InReality]

In fairness at the mo , i don't mind 3rd level teachers & prof having cushy numbers.
Few reasons :
1)
I like to think i might manage that myself some day.
2)
You do need a ********************-load of education & smarts to do it.
As degree inflation continues that may change in the future , but for the moment its ok.
3)
Plus I think there is a great value in having a "non-commercial" ivory tower setup, for the country as a whole.

[grainne whale]

I don't want to appear elitist. Well, maybe I do, but a pass arts degree and some political connections is hardly a good education.

I think you need a H. Dip as well for secondary, teaching, and your starting salary will depend on your grade. As regards National teaching, you need the points, and an honor in Irish in the LC.

[avagardner]

I don't want to appear elitist. Well, maybe I do, but a pass arts degree and some political connections is hardly a good education.

Not all teachers have Arts Degrees, what about Science, Engineering, Commerce etc.
All full time teachers have a H.Dip in Education, the only exception is some teachers in the VEC system.
A lot of teachers have a Masters now or are qualified in career guidance, educational management, special needs etc
You are very narrow minded in your beliefs.

[advertismo]

When I am doing my job I have to be on my toes. Any lapse of memory and thought has the ability to damage me, my career, my organisation and all those involved with it. My job doesn't involve dealing with hormonal teenagers, but hardened professionals. My job doesn't last 9pm until 4pm either and I don't get months off during the year. Spare me the nonsense. Teachers have a difficult job, granted, but it's no more difficult than anybody elses job and not having to worry about having your job in 2-3 months time or not isn't a perk enjoyed by many.

I thought this was your job ?