New primary school teacher training course for deaf people

People who are deaf or hard of hearing and interested in becoming primary school teachers are being invited to apply for a new teacher training strand, the first of its kind in Ireland, which begins next September at Dublin City University. 

The new strand, to be delivered within DCU's existing Bachelor of Education programme, will include a module in Irish Sign Language.

It is being introduced initially on a pilot basis and will have six places. 

Those interested can apply through the current CAO process, which closes on 1 February. 

The places are being funded through a scheme which aims to increase the number of students with disabilities at third level. 

They are geared towards members of the deaf community who wish to become primary school teachers and work with deaf children.

Apart from specialised modules such as one in Irish Sign Language, students on the new programme will study alongside hearing peers on the university's main Bachelor of Education programme. 

The higher-level Leaving Certificate Irish qualification that is required for other students will be replaced by a requirement of a similar level in Irish Sign Language. 

The four-year full-time undergraduate programme also includes a 30-week school placement.

Announcing the new programme, Minister for Education Joe McHugh said the move was a hugely important step towards ensuring increased access and inclusion for all in the classroom.

He said it would enable deaf children who use Irish Sign Language in primary school to fully access the curriculum by having teachers who are fluent ISL users.

Source: RTE