Teacher access programme launched in Marino

DUBLIN Bay North TD Aodhán Ã? Ríordáin (Lab) launched an education initiative last week that will boost local students’ chances of becoming primary teachers.

The aim of the Marino Teaching Access Programme is to provide a pathway for students in disadvantaged secondary schools into the primary teaching profession.

Over 20 students from nine northside DEIS secondary schools have been invited to take part in the course, which will focus primarily on improving their Irish language skills.

Higher Level Gaeilge is a minimum requirement for accessing teacher training colleges, and this has often proven to be a barrier for advancement into teaching for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Deputy � Ríordáin said he has been working hard on this initiative for the last number of years.

“I am truly grateful that Northside Partnership and Marino Institute of Education are supporting this project,

? he stated.

“In my experience as a teacher and principal in the north inner city, there are hundreds of excellent students who would make incredible teachers but who need that little extra help and encouragement to ensure they can fulfil their potential.

“It was a truly proud day as students embarked on the course facilitated by the staff of Marino College of Education and funded by Northside Partnership.

“Without the support of Noel Kelly of Northside Partnership and Gene Mehigan from Marino IE, this initiative would never have gotten off the ground.

?

Deputy � Ríordáin said some students may consider a different path over the coming years but

“our objective is to offer students choices that they wouldn’t otherwise have

?.

“Hopefully in years to come a number of these students will become the role models of the future in classrooms across the Northside,

? he added.