In Leinster House today, the Teaching Principals’ Forum shared the stressful realities of being a classroom teacher while also being the primary school manager. The weight of administrative burden on these dedicated educationalists has lead to health issues and resignations.
I was honoured to host the briefing which was addressed by Angela Dunne of the Teaching Principals’ Forum along with other teaching principals from around the country.
These teaching principals are being forced by the Department of Education to do more with less and less. For too long, they have had to fulfil a huge management workload alongside daily teaching roles. Added to this is the unpredictable nature of running a primary school. For many, increased stress levels have adversely impacted their health and mental well-being.
I was particularly concerned to hear that many have left their posts. Others have signalled their intention to follow suit in the near future.
What we heard today was a message that things cannot continue as normal. The Government has to recognise that this is a problem that will not go away by ignoring it.
These teaching principals have made a reasonable request for one administrative day per week.
I am calling on the Minister to engage with the Teaching Principals’ Forum and grant their request in the interest of health and safety in our schools.
