Secondary School Principals’ Perspectives on the Restructuring of Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education in Ireland (Poster 10)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 5:10 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Division K Section 9 Initial Teacher and Teacher Educator Preparation Posters

Abstract

In 2014 the duration of postgraduate initial teacher education (ITE) in Ireland was extended from twelve to twenty-four months, resulting in a master’s level qualification. While there are anecdotal benefits and challenges associated with this restructuring, there is little empirical research regarding impact. The purpose of this research is to provide evidence to facilitate an informed debate about the move to a two-year Professional Master of Education program from the perspective of one of the main stakeholders, secondary school principals. This paper explores their insights into the restructuring of postgraduate ITE. The findings underscore the advantages and obstacles associated with the two-year program, as seen through the eyes of the leaders whose schools accommodate student teachers for prolonged practicum periods.

Authors

• Máire Ní Ríordáin, University College Cork

• Niamh Dennehy, University College Cork

• Brian Murphy, University College Cork

• Mark Prendergast, University College Cork

• Craig Neville, University College Cork