Second level, further and higher education teachers will gather in Co Wexford and in Co Kerry today as the annual conferences of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland and Teachers Union of Ireland trade unions get under way.
To tackle the issue of teacher recruitment and retention, the TUI is calling for full-time jobs upon initial appointment, a reinstatement of allowances formerly paid to teachers, more career opportunities and full recognition of teaching service overseas for those wishing to return home. The TUI is also calling for increased investment in education, pointing out that the spend at second level here, at 1% of GDP, is just half the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average."If we are serious about aspiring to having a world class education system, our policymakers must match the commitment of students and educators by appropriately funding the sector."
She said the aim was to develop guidelines to provide an awareness of the opportunities and risks and also the factors that should be taken into consideration in using AI in a safe, responsible and ethical manner. "We need to ensure that we consider the use of AI carefully on all aspects of teaching, learning and assessment and that teachers and school leaders have the necessary resources and skills to support them," she said.More than 80 motions will be debated over the course of the three-day convention on pay, pensions, working conditions, student welfare and school resources.
Almost one-in-five secondary school teachers who responded to a recent ASTI survey said they have experienced some form of work-related cyberbullying.