primary school teaching -are there jobs?

Hi,


can anyone tell me what the job situation is like at the moment for primary school teachers? And what it is expected to be like over the next 1-2 years. I'm beginning a conversion course in february and would like to know. Also is it possible to get work as a substitute teacher or even a fulltime position as a teacher before becoming qualified (course is part-time).

Thanks in advance,
Aldaco.

The main teacher-training colleges (sorry, Colleges of Education!) have their B.Ed and Grad. Dip intakes set by the DES each year, presumably on the basis of projected job openings three years hence. Those figures have been slightly increased in each of the last few years, so I'd imagine prospects are fairly good generally - but a lot would depend on what geographical area you were hoping to work in.

Yes, primary (and secondary) schools regularly recruit unqualified subs. But I don't think they're allowed employ them fulltime any more, unless in exceptional circumstances. You could have a look at the relevant [broken link removed] (see point 6., p.4) and other info on the INTO website.

Permanent jobs are not as widely available as they use to be as this summer the giv. pulled a fast move in the special education area where a lot more resource teachers are working in temporary positions rather than permanent ones. There still seems to be plenty of available temporary work. Qualified substitutes are impossible to find almost everywhere so schools are more than happy to get unqualified people who are at least being trained for these positions. The only catch is you are paid at the unqualified rate for teachers which I suppose is fair enogh as what would be the point of qwualifications if there is no financial reward