Mandatory special education placements must include all teachers to truly transform inclusive education – Darren O’Rourke TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education and Youth, Darren O’Rourke TD, says, in order to truly transform inclusive education, plans for dedicated special education training must not be limited to student teachers.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“I welcome Minister McEntee’s proposal to introduce mandatory special education placements for student teachers. It has the potential to be a positive step toward building a more inclusive education system.

“However, I urge the Minister to extend this requirement to all teachers, including those already in post, to ensure meaningful and lasting change.

“While equipping new teachers with hands-on experience in special education settings is vital, the vast majority of educators currently in classrooms have had no such training. Without upskilling the existing workforce, many students with special educational needs will continue to face inequitable access to quality education.

“A truly inclusive system demands that every teacher, regardless of career stage, has access to the essential training, support and resources to develop the skills and confidence to support diverse learners.

“The Minister should expand mandatory special education placements to include in-service teachers through continuous professional development (CPD). She should ensure dedicated time, resources, and mentorship is provided to ensure successful implementation. And she should embed universal inclusive education strategies in all teacher training, both initial and ongoing.

“Inclusion cannot be optional. By ensuring all teachers receive practical experience in special education settings, we can create a system where every child, regardless of need, is given the opportunity to thrive.”