FAQs on welcoming Ukrainian students
I want to get information on how best to respond to Ukrainian students coming to my school. Where do I start?
In response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in March 2022, and the activation of the EU Temporary Protection Directive to provide immediate protection in EU countries to displaced Ukrainians, the Irish government has a whole-of-government approach to the reception of refugees. The Department of Education has put in place a suite of measures to support Ukrainian students, their families and schools.
The key measures to date are:
- Schools are requested to enrol Ukrainian students if at all possible in terms of current capacity
- Such enrolments must be immediately updated on PPOD database to assist in deployment of resources
- Regional Education and Language Teams (REALT) have been established in each E.T.B. to assist schools
- Schools can apply for additional Education as a Second Language/EAL hours
Click here for the latest Departmental advice.
Is there a fast-track process for the recognition of Ukrainian teachers’ qualifications?
Where Ukrainian teachers have evidence of qualified teacher status, they can apply to be admitted to the register of teachers in Ireland to teach in recognised schools.
Teachers who do not meet all the registration requirements, may be registered subject to conditions. Each application for registration will be assessed under the statutory requirements of the Teaching Council Registration Regulations 2016 and in line with the relevant EU and Irish legislation. Once registered, Ukrainian teachers, irrespective of conditional registration, are eligible to receive a State-funded salary to be employed and teach in recognised schools. To date, the Council has received approximately 70 queries and five applications from Ukrainian nationals who may meet the eligibility requirements for qualified teachers wishing to register in Ireland.
The Teaching Council is currently developing processes to make reasonable accommodations in order to support the registration and vetting of Ukrainian teachers who have been granted Temporary Protection under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
Information is available at:
- Qualified in Ukraine - Teaching Council
- Tailored Registration Process for Qualified Ukrainian Teachers - Teaching Council
Qualified Ukrainian teachers with an interest in registering to teach in Ireland are advised to visit the web links above. All queries and requests for application documents should be addressed to [email protected].
Resources:
- Supporting the Wellbeing of Young People from Ukraine in your School - Guidance for post-primary schools
- Supporting Children and Young People in a time of War - Advice for School Staff
- EAL resources list from the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
- Department of Education Press Release - Minister Foley announces establishment of Regional Education and Language Teams for Ukraine