6 month subbing/substitution/supply Primary teaching in Ireland info for an Aussie

OZQLD

Hi all,
What an informative site. I have a few questions that I hope people may be kind enough to help me with.

Iam hoping to teach in elementry/primary schools in Ireland for the 2nd 6 months of 2009. I don't mind substitute teaching but reading all the posts it seems it s really difficult to find work in primary teaching at present. Although we're willing to teach anywhere (my wife is a primary teacher as well).

Should we stay in the Dublin area (or major centres) or is it easier to find this temp/short term work in rural areas?

Do you go through an employemnt agency or apply directly to the schools for supply work?

I supply taught in London for a year in the 90s and don't particularily want to teach there again - nice place to visit but would love to work in ireland...we have have just finished teaching for 10 years in remote Indigenous communities here in Oz - absolutely brilliant - if any person wants more info on this Im happy to give.

Any help would be much appreciated

oliviah

Hi

Staying near urban areas with lots of schools would be your best bet. Sub work looks like it's going to dry up in January, so it might be harder to get work next year.

Do you both have Irish?

Apply directly to the schools for work. Start now! Don't rely on emails by the way, they will not be read or taken seriously by the majority of schools. Speak directly to the principal/vice-principal.

CraftySue

It might be a good idea, to register with the teaching council before you come over, so that when you are subbing, you are paid at the qualified rate.
Give yourself plenty of time to do this, as it can be a slow process, and a lot of paperwork may be required.

Michele_oz

I'm also looking to do supply work in Ireland. I would appreciate any information that you find. Two years ago I worked in London doing supply teaching and loved it. I went through an agency which made things so much easier. I am a primary school teacher and would appreciate if any one could answer any of these questions:

1) What is the pay like for supply teaching?
2) Can you go through an agency?
3) What is the best Internet site to look for jobs?
4) Can you do supply work on a working holiday visa?

Thank you!

Michele from Australia.

dory

The main thing you guys need to note is that teaching Irish is essential. With jobs so scarce at the moment priority will be given to those who tick all the boxes so to speak. So learning our native tongue should be first on your list of to do things (there's then an exam to take to prove you have a high level). This would probably take 2-4 years depending on how quick you pick up languages.

The only thing I can think of is teaching english, it's badly paid here but at least you're not ruled out from that as you don't need Irish for that.