Is there a demand for secondary language teachers?

Moschner

Hi,
I am Irish but did my teacher training in the Uk and I am in my third year of teaching. My degree was in German and Italian (although my Italian is very rusty). I have been teaching German to A level since I began and I also teach French first and second year level as I did Leaving Cert French all those years ago. I also teach ICT and could teach Business studies as I did a two year full time business course also.
I have a great job in the UK in a great school but would like to come home. I hear that jobs are few and far between at the moment in Ireland. Is this true? I am a little anxious about leaving a permanent job with prospects if there is no chance of getting into a school at home as I love teaching!

Any advice would be very much appreciated!! I have tried looking on the internet and can never find jobs.

TheDriver

Firstly, check with teaching council to see what they will recognise. German has some prospects but to be honest, french is the bigger seller and Irish teachers walk into jobs. Business is fairly common at moment and Italian has low enough take up by schools in general but you never know as you have a wide range all the same.
Most jobs in Ireland are in the papers, internet has little or none of them.

Moschner

Thanks for the reply. I suppose it would be a case of going home and seeing what comes up but it is a risk. I will contact the teaching council but I know people who have trained in the UK and got jobs at home before so it must be ok once you have the required subjects. what time of year do the jobs start appearing in Ireland? Here they tend to come between Feb and may for following september.
Thanks again!

gaeilgegrinds

Irish has to be one of the best subjects language wise to have. German fairly popular but Spanish seems to be taking over where I teach anyway! Most schools in the area taking on more Spanish classes than French or German every year. Ring the Council first though!

TheDriver

You might get one in May for Sept or in Sept for Sept. It is a big risk and be prepared for 14 hours etc as its only a lucky few get full hours from day one.

gibo_ie

There is a big demand at the moment for Irish (language) teachers. French teachers come next in terms of jobs available. Your UK qualification will certianly allow you to Sub but do check with www.teachingcouncil.ie to see if you need to convert it to teach permenant.
Good luck in your decision.
Martin

Moschner

Thanks a lot for all your replies! It does unfortunately seem like the prospects are poor and lack of job security etc is a risky issue with a mortgage. I will do more research when I am home in the Easter holidays. Your comments have been v. helpful thanks!.:)