INTO (Irish National Teachers' Organisation)
@INTOnews
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Effective 1 January 2025, the INTO will no longer actively post on this platform. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky.
Joined March 2010
Teachers are the backbone of our country, shaping futures, inspiring minds, and driving the success of our society. The recent comments made by the Ryanair CEO at Minister Burke’s campaign launch were outrageous and an insult to the dedication and hard work of our teachers.
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We call on Minister @josephamadigan to immediately apologise for her insensitive comments this morning, comparing Special Education issues to mother and baby homes. .
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We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ashling Murphy, her colleagues and pupils at Scoil Naomh Colmcille and all who knew her.
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Our hearts are with the entire school community of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire following the horrendous incident that has taken place today. We are thinking of the children, their families and the school’s staff during this unimaginably difficult time.
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📣INTO understands plans to reopen special schools next week have been cancelled. We will update members as we learn more but welcome government heeding our concerns. We must all do what we can to respond to the current public health situation.
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INTO General Secretary John Boyle has written to Minister Foley calling for a delayed reopening of our schools. In light of the alarming increase in Covid-19 cases, alongside other worrying public health indicators we believe this is now necessary.
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. @johnboyle_INTO urges Govt to reconsider changes to National Vaccination Programme on RTÉ Nine O'Clock News. "35% of our members are under 35. a lot have 35 families in their classroom. My blood is boiling about this. Frontline workers have had the rug pulled from under them"
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Statement (thread): The INTO is extremely concerned by widespread media reports concerning potential changes to the Government’s National Vaccination Programme. .
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INTO will be attending the vigil tomorrow on behalf of our members. We encourage teachers right across the island of Ireland to light a candle, wherever you are between 4 and 5pm tomorrow, in memory of Ashling Murphy. 🕯️. #VigilforAshling #ashlingmurphy.
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The INTO condemns the lack of consultation on changes to professional development courses that will limit teacher choice, create obstacles for those juggling caring responsibilities and demonstrate a lack of trust in the profession. See:
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As countless candles are lit across the country in memory of Ashling Murphy, a flame burns in INTO Head Office on behalf of all our members. We encourage members to light a candle today, where they can, to mourn the loss of a wonderful teacher, beloved by pupils and colleagues.
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🗞”No teacher. wants to be vaccinated before the elderly and those with very high-risk medical or living conditions. The suspicion is, however, that vaccinating on an age basis is happening because it is easier, not because it is fairer.”.
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📣 INTO seeks immediate assurances on the safety of our schools:. INTO has set out 5️⃣ clear requirements for schools to operate safely. ⚠️ We are growing increasingly concerned that public health precautions for teachers are inadequate. Read more 👇
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It is unacceptable that due to the lack of therapies, teachers are being asked to take on the duties of other professionals, such as speech and language therapists or occupational therapists.
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INTO vice-pres Joe McKeown on @lstwrd: "Teachers will be quite bemused that a Govt which has selected aspects of NPHET advice, adapted & adopted it, is now accusing us of being selective. Tomorrow we will meet the Dept & work in the interests of children & our members' health"
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Due to rising COVID-19 concern INTO is calling for restoration of public-health risk assessments; testing & contact tracing in schools; supply panel expansion; antigen testing; review of age restriction on face masks; reinstatement of substitute sequencing
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Congratulations to Councillor @AlisonGilliland on her election as Lord Mayor of Dublin this evening. The INTO wish her all the best in the year ahead
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📢 Rushed and reckless decision on reopening special educational settings risks undermining public health objectives.
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The INTO is asking members around the country to light a candle today in memory of Ashling Murphy, the young teacher killed in Tullamore Co Offaly on Wednesday. See more: #VigilforAshling #ashlingmurphy
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The INTO deplores the Minister for Education's lack of consultation on reported changes to our members terms and conditions. This relates to media reports this afternoon that the career break scheme is to be restricted from September 2023. More:
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INTO opposes absolutist approach to keeping schools open at all costs and seeks an urgent meeting with the inspectorate on the proposed inspection model for schools. Read more here
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The national rollout of the AON process has been paused following representations to the Department of Education and the National Council for Special Education at a specially convened meeting this afternoon. Read more: @ncseirl .@Education_Ire
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We are determined to continue working towards a safe reopening of schools and ensure pupils with special needs education return to in-school teaching and learning as soon as possible. The Minister’s comments are unhelpful, unnecessary and grossly offensive to our members. (Ends).
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Today Lyra McKee is laid to rest in Belfast. A minute's silence is observed at INTO Congress on the other side of the island in remembrance of this talented, strong-minded woman who tragically met her death last week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis. #WeStandWithLyra
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Following NPHET meeting, INTO writes to Ministers Foley and Madigan. Copy of our letter here 👇.
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📺@johnboyle_INTO on Ireland AM: "We see this as a breach of trust. Govt promised us teachers would be in the top 30% of population to be vaccinated because of the risks. We're not trying to have anybody bumped down. Govt say they want schools open, why not prioritise workers?"
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President John Boyle says "the art of teaching must take priority over the craft of paperwork". #INTOCongress18 .@PresidentINTO
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INTO calls for immediate schools’ closure in Northern Ireland -
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Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar has confirmed primary schools will not reopen before September 2020. It’s imperative that any decision to reopen our schools is led by public health advice and engagement with stakeholders. We will be engaging with @Education_Ire in coming weeks.
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Today's #Budget2025 speeches lacked the commitments necessary to meet the challenges facing our schools. Providing a higher allocation for mobile phone pouches than the increase in primary capitation is tone deaf to the needs of primary & special schools.
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📢 Update: Serious safety concerns must be addressed prior to any reopening of schools. The INTO’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) has said that teachers’ grave safety concerns have not been adequately addressed by today’s public health webinar and by Government. .
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‘Principals and teachers have the right to disconnect. The debacle of releasing a staffing circular on the first day of the Easter holidays, forcing hundreds of principals to scramble for Special Education hours to save teaching jobs … must never be repeated.’
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INTO members reject proposed agreement on new entrant pay with 53% voting to reject the agreement. Turnout for the ballot was 55%.
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📩Email your TDs!. INTO is extremely concerned about changes to the National Vaccination Programme. We are calling on TDs/Govt to ensure priority vaccination for teachers + key workers once the vulnerable/elderly are protected. Use our email form now!👉
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*Update* INTO attended a briefing with NPHET officials today and remain dissatisfied with the information presented in that meeting. Serious questions remain and we have sought a meeting with the Department of Education in the morning. 1/5.
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Thanks for kind thought but useful resources right now are buckets, spades and sunblock. Talk again in September.
has useful resources - videos, webinars, articles, templates to help you think about SSE in your school.
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Following robust intervention by the INTO, the Department of Education has scrapped plans to remove the asynchronous aspect of summer courses. For more: @Education_Ire
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There is a disparity between the official HSE figures which show over four thousand children (aged 5 – 12) contracting Covid in the last fortnight, compared with the much smaller number identified in weekly school testing reports issued by the HSPC.
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We have today decided to initiate a September ballot of all members (ROI) for potential industrial action, unless the govt's irresponsible procrastination on public-sector pay talks ends quickly, with a respectable pay offer put on the table. See here:
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📰"This situation is simply untenable. If our primary & special schools are to fully reopen after mid-term break & operate safely next month, Govt must ensure necessary protective measures & protocols are put in place within next fortnight" GenSec @johnboyle_INTO on @rtenews👇.
The union wants the exact number of school staff who have tested positive since September to be published with a breakdown by job and school type.
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As all schools are currently closed under COVID-19 restrictions and with uncertainty as to when schools will reopen, @Education_Ire has made the decision to cancel Standardised Testing for primary schools for the 2019/2020 school year.
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The new president of the INTO is Mary Magner, a native of Castletownroche in North Cork and living in nearby Killavullen. She represented North and East Cork as well as Cork City North on the INTO executive since 2011. Mary assumes office today.
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INTO condemns lack of consultation on school continuity guidance. Boyle – “It is wholly unacceptable that this important document should have been published without any consultation with the union representing primary school teachers & principals.
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This week INTO commenced dialogue with government on the approach taken to schools at all 5 levels of the governments plan. We won’t countenance the full opening of schools at all levels & work will now get underway to identify how schools will be configured at all levels. (1/2)
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The end of an era! "You're simply the best" reverberates around the hall in Galway as INTO delegates rise to their feet to show their appreciation for outgoing Secretary Sheila Nunan, a woman who steered our union through rough waters with unflappable determination.
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. @johnboyle_INTO on Drivetime: "This is totally unexpected, absolutely no consultation, a breach of trust. Govt has taken our goodwill for granted, we got schools reopened & now we find we've been bumped off the list. It's an absolute outrage.".
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Teaching has seen an avalanche of new initiatives and increased workload branded with a series of acronyms and new terms. What primary school teachers would like is LUST - Let Us Simply Teach! #INTOCongress18
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Education unions encourage all schools to observe a minute’s silence for Ashling Murphy at:. 🕰️11AM on Tuesday, 18 January. INTO, @astiunion @forsa_union_ie and @TUIunion urge all schools and colleges to join in the tribute. #AshlingMurphy. 👉
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📢 INTO has called for all teachers to receive the flu vaccine free of charge to acknowledge their critical role in schools and protect the health of our school communities. Read more here 👉
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🚩INTO slams Medmark treatment of medically vulnerable members and calls for an urgent review of face coverings for pupils.
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#INTOCongress2022 demands that teachers’ payslips should finally be available electronically or in digital format after years of campaigning for this.
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📣 INTO welcomes publication of the 'Reproductive Health Leave' Bill by Senator @ivanabacik . It responds to calls from INTO for a scheme to support members managing early miscarriage, fertility treatments & reproductive health related matters. Details👇
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The teachers at Holy Family JNS, Swords really had that Friday feeling yesterday! They came in early and filmed their #MatildaChallenge before their pupils arrived. Well done all. Fun and creative!
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📢Following an intervention made by @INTOnews in response to the @Education_Ire Information Note 2/2022 (Assessment of Need) the department has convened a special meeting for this afternoon. We will make a statement following the meeting.
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School caretakers and school secretaries’ will stage a 1 day strike + national rally next week in a long running dispute over pay & conditions. The INTO resolutely supports our colleagues @forsa_union_ie. Members encouraged to show support and solidarity on the day.
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John Boyle elected INTO General Secretary Designate with 53% of vote. Full details of the poll will be published in due course on Congratulations to John and the other two candidates.
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“The far-right does not represent working people – trade unions do”, a powerful anti-racist message presented by former Fair City actor, Donna Anita Nikolaisen, being released by ICTU ahead of May Day tomorrow. @irishcongress.#MayDay #JoinAUnion #Unionsagainsthate
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INTO fully supports the @forsa_union_ie #RespectforSNAs campaign. Our members stand in solidarity with all SNAs who contribute so much to their school communities.
Over the coming weeks the campaign #RespectForSNAs will be going live. We will need support from everyone but especially our colleagues in education. You see the work we do in classrooms everyday so please stand with us and support us. @forsa_union_ie . #RespectForSNAs
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. @johnboyle_INTO: "For months now we have heard the government say, time after time, that education is the top priority for government. How then can teachers be treated with such blatant disregard as frontline education workers. .
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‘It is beyond belief that pregnant teachers were forced to attend for work last autumn at a time when the government was unable to offer vaccine protection. This displayed a reckless disregard for their physical and mental health.’ #INTOCongress2022
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#INTOCongress2022 calls for the removal of Croke Park hours and for staff meetings to take place during school hours.
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The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation welcomes today’s decision to extend bereavement leave in the education sector, aligning this hugely important benefit with the broader public service. Read more:
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We have just released a Ukrainian & Russian version of our #TipsforParents report. 50+ pages of advice/info for parents of children entering primary school for the first time. Please help us get this to everyone that needs it. 🇺🇦🇮🇪. 🔗
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INTO has consulted with elected branch & district officers, as well as national committee members to identify the key issues which must be considered in detail before our schools can reopen. Our submission is available here 👉
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. It is essential teachers+all key workers should continue to be prioritised once vulnerable people and the elderly are vaccinated. INTO will be seeking an emergency meeting with the Department to protest strongly against any downgrading of our profession on vaccination list. .
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INTO has demanded clarity on the status of schools at Level 5. Following the NPHET recommendation that the country may need to enter Level 5 restrictions, we have called for an immediate public health review on the status of schools at this level. (1/2).
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Recognising the increased pressure on school management roles, including school principals, #INTOCongress2022 delegates have called for a dignified process for teachers with management roles who choose to step down from such roles.
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📰 "I cannot be convinced by Micheál Martin’s comments that children will be returning after Halloween to safe schools. It is of course vital that childrens’ education continue, but it is even more vital to their families that they remain safe" @johnboyle_INTO via @Independent_ie.
Heads of teachers' unions blast tracing in schools as ‘shambolic’ and question safety of pupils
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On behalf of our members, teachers, and school leaders across Ireland, we express our solidarity with the whole school community in Robb Elementary School, Texas. Our thoughts are especially with the families of those who tragically lost their lives @AFTunion @rweingarten
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📢INTO & IPPN Joint Statement: Education partners condemn Minister’s spin on special education. Full statement:
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📢Key delta symptoms to be aware of as we head back to school. ⚫ Fever (38° +) .⚫ New cough .⚫ Shortness of breath .⚫ Loss/ change of smell/ taste .⚫ Fatigue .⚫ Aches/ pains .⚫ Sore throat .⚫ Headache.⚫ Runny/ stuffy nose.⚫ Feeling sick.⚫ Diarrhoea
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"Croke Park hours should encompass all the extra activities teachers do in schools" Cian Collins addressing #INTOCongress18
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INTO vice pres Joe McKeown: "Dr Ronan Glynn told a webinar on Monday that schools are threatened. our members were told the virus is most active in 20-to-50 year olds. Clearly schools are not as safe for children or adults as we have been led to believe (by Govt)".
INTO vice president Joe McKeown is currently speaking to @ShannonsideFM - listen live:
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. ". This move undermines the efforts of our education staff to keep our primary+special schools open safely. This is unacceptable and Government must prioritise the safety of teachers & all key workers once the vulnerable+elderly are first protected by vaccination.” . .
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📺 @johnboyle_INTO on VM News: “Govt promised schools that teachers would be in top third of population to be vaccinated alongside SNAs. They’ve changed their mind. it will get a lot of heat at Congress. The Minster will be speaking tomorrow - let’s hope she has a resolution”
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INTO President Mary Magner and General Secretary John Boyle met with newly appointed Minister for Education @NormaFoleyTD1 on the need for an orderly and planned reopening of our schools and the swift publication of additional guidance.
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It’s getting to the stage that if the number of infections continues there will be more children at home than at school, INTO General Secretary John Boyle tells @VirginMediaNews.
#WATCH A new survey published by the Irish National Teachers' Organisation shows hundreds of teachers and thousands of students tested positive for #COVID19 in national schools in the first two weeks of this month . @AislingNiCTV has more ⤵️. #VMNews | @INTOnews | #COVIDIreland
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📣Teachers condemn violence against children/civilians. As a member of @irishcongress, INTO note that unions representing teachers in Palestine have held a general strike. We stand in solidarity with them+the Palestinian people. #StrikeforPalestine. More👇
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. @johnboyle_INTO op-ed in today's @IrishTimes: 'Parents must trust teachers on school reopening'
Parents must trust teachers on school reopening via @IrishTimesOpEd.
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"Always have a good conversation with a parent before you have a bad one. they're less likely to devour you. It's hard to eat something you've had a relationship with " -Andy Hargreaves #INTOEDC18.
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We are currently engaged in intensive discussion with fellow stakeholders and @Education_Ire on the safe and orderly reopening of our schools. We will update members when we have more information.
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📣The erroneous uploading of documents relating to staffing on DE’s website last night has grossly infringed primary principals’ right to disconnect. The INTO received assurances earlier this week that arrangements relating to next year’s staffing would not issue . 1/3
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"People should know that in spite of the exchange of words between the Department & INTO, teachers & SNAs have been working really hard & engaging with children with special needs as they have been doing since schools closed” .- INTO VP Joe McKeown on 📻 The Last Word last night
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Schools will be deeply concerned about Circular 0002/2024, which details changes to the model for allocating SET hours. It clearly demonstrates that the government is not prepared to provide the necessary investment to deliver truly inclusive education.
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Ireland is home to supersized primary classes. The largest in the EU. This hindered our ability to reopen. It’s time to act to keep our doors open. #Budget2021 must #ReduceClassSizes. Support our campaign at
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📢INTO calls for urgent action as Department of Education Chief Inspector’s Report says principals’ workload is becoming “unsustainable”. Full update 👇
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Despite media commentary suggesting that teachers would be excluded from the updated household close contact rules announcement this evening, INTO understands that this is not true. Further information will be shared when we receive it.
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. Such a change would abandon carefully considered priority groups who are working on the frontline. There has been zero consultation or notification of this drastic change which is certain to affect our members’ confidence about safety at work. .
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Primary teachers suffering ‘burnout’ as they struggle with huge workload, union survey finds
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In light of the unfolding events in Afghanistan, the INTO expresses its concern for educators and students in the country and for continued equal access to education for all students. Read our statement here 👇
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📣 Talks ongoing on plans to reopen primary schools:. There has been a lot of media speculation this week re: reopening of our primary schools. INTO wishes to confirm to members that negotiations are ongoing. We will provide an update to members when this process has concluded. .
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One in five primary pupils in Ireland is taught in a class of 30 or more. The EU average is 20. This isn’t good enough. #Budget2021 needs to change this. Join our campaign at #ReduceClassSize
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📻INTO VP Joe McKeown: "Almost half of primary teachers are under 40. They're being told you have to work in schools when level of virus in community is twice where it was in December, you have to work indoors w/ people not wearing masks, you're bottom of the list. It's shocking".
LISTEN BACK: Paschal Donohoe on An Taoiseach's address to the nation, children's shoes, Joe McKeown, INTO VP on vaccines for teachers, @Barretstown on fundraising & much more. @Paschald @noonan_malcolm @Barretstown @AsIAmIreland @MensNetworkIE @INTOnews .
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The provision of ASD classes in primary schools is not as simple as identifying space and providing adequate furniture…
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Sheila Nunan pays tribute to Peter Mullan, @INTOnews Head of Communications at his last Congress in the role. Wishing Peter all the best on his retirement. We’ll miss you!! 😢#standingovation #INTOCongress18
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Great to see so many of our members, trade union colleagues and the general public at today’s national demonstration for Palestine in Dublin city centre. We’d also like to thank our members up and down the country who have taken part in demonstrations in their locality. @ipsc48
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On the anniversary of her death, members across the country will remember Ashling Murphy. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues in @DurrowNS. We are proud to support a scholarship in her name to honour her passion for education and her love of music.
The staff and pupils of Durrow N.S remember "Our Shining Light," Ms. Ashling Murphy, on her first anniversary today. Please light a candle to keep her light shining. Missed so much, by all in our school. 💔💔🎻💔💔
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The INTO will meet Department of Education officials next week to challenge ‘regressive’ changes to online CPD for teachers. We will keep members updated as the situation develops. See: @Education_Ire
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INTO has clarified with the Department of Education that that any substitute teacher that was contracted to work tomorrow in the counties affected by the red and orange warnings will be paid.
📢A red alert has been issued for Clare, Kerry & Cork. Status orange: Limerick, Waterford, Galway, Mayo, Wexford, Dublin, Louth, Wicklow & Meath. @Education_Ire advise that schools in areas covered by the red and orange warnings should stay closed tomorrow. #StormBarra
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