Primary Teaching - Where to go?

Lola92

Hi guys, I am a 6th Year LC student pretty much have my heart set on primary teaching the last while now!

I'm looking at the colleges in Dublin, just wondering if, in your experience, there are better employment prospects from say, St. pats over Marino or Froebel over Pats.

Mostly asking because they are all equally accessible to me and there isn't all that much difference points wise looking at previous years!

Also is there much difference in teaching styles/ethos etc.?


Thanks a mil:)

#15

I can't imagine this thread will go well. Everyone will say their own college is the best.

I can tell you what principals have told me. Froebel or Mary I.

However, I don't claim to know every principal so I can't say that it is representative.

But the trend (from principals that I have spoken to) is Froebel and Mary I.

AFAIK, there is a difference between Pats and Froebel in terms of philosophy. Froebel is less book-oriented. The emphasis is on learning through activity/discovery. Textbooks are almost a dirty word, you won't be allowed use them on teaching practice.

Lola92

Thanks #15!

Yes i had guessed that might be the case but I guess Ill just wait and see how that pans out.:)

dambarude

#15 wrote: »

Textbooks are almost a dirty word, you won't be allowed use them on teaching practice.

It's like that to some extent in all colleges now I'd say. It is in Mary I anyway.

I would have said Pats before the other colleges in Dublin, unlike the previous poster- it totally depends on who you're talking to.

The Real McCoy

Your not supposed to use textbooks on any teaching practice afaik! St Pat's and and Mary I are the most illustrious teaching colleges. Live with 4 other teachers and all the most of the teachers in our schools are from those colleges.

dambarude

The Real McCoy wrote: »

Your not supposed to use textbooks on any teaching practice afaik!

You can use them, but they shouldn't be the sole teaching method used in a lesson. They wouldn't really impress your supervisor much. (In Mary I anyway.)

The Real McCoy wrote: »

Live with 4 other teachers and all the most of the teachers in our schools are from those colleges.

The numbers training in Pats and Mary I are far higher than those training in the smaller colleges, so they are going to be more visible as a result. It doesn't necessarily mean that they are of better standard, although they seem to be perceived as being so.

gaeilgegrinds

One college is not better than the other. Obviously they differ in their approach. I would say it's all about extra activities once you get to college and an ability to adapt which will secure employment once finished. Best of luck!

#15

The Real McCoy wrote: »

St Pat's and and Mary I are the most illustrious teaching colleges.

This is what I mean OP.

Another person could tell you that Marino and Froebel are more prestigious as their degrees are awarded by Trinity.

Really, it doesn't make much difference. Maybe ask a few principals if you can.

Decent marks, a good personality and extra-curricular activities will get you a job. If you can bring something different to a school, you will be in demand.

Every teacher will have a qualification in education, either at undergrad or postgrad level. So try to have more than that.

In my opinion

#15 wrote: »

This is what I mean OP.

Another person could tell you that Marino and Froebel are more prestigious as their degrees are awarded by Trinity.

Really, it doesn't make much difference. Maybe ask a few principals if you can.

Decent marks, a good personality and extra-curricular activities will get you a job. If you can bring something different to a school, you will be in demand.

Every teacher will have a qualification in education, either at undergrad or postgrad level. So try to have more than that.

Getting a job is about many things one of them is networks. Pats and Mary I have the biggest networks.

Pats and Mary I are 3 years honours degree the others are pass degree you must do a 4th year at night to get honours degree.

All colleges train you to teach after that its up to you.

#15

In my opinion wrote: »

Getting a job is about many things one of them is networks. Pats and Mary I have the biggest networks.

Pats and Mary I are 3 years honours degree the others are pass degree you must do a 4th year at night to get honours degree.

All colleges train you to teach after that its up to you.

Its more important to create your own networks through subbing etc, IMHO.

Lola92

Thanks a lot for your input guys, very helpful indeed

I'm going to take someones advice of checking up with principals etc.

If anyone has any further opinions etc I would really appreciate a pm

Thanks again.