Safe teaching and learning environment will be central to future success of sector

May 11th: Unite, which represents English Language Teachers throughout Ireland, today (Monday) said that schools must start engaging now with teachers to ensure that the industry can bounce back once the Covid-19 emergency is over.  Speaking following publication of the Return to Work Safely Protocol, Unite Regional Officer Brendan Byrne said that the re-opening of schools later in the year offered an opportunity now to re-imagine the industry in the best interest of all employees in this sector.

“The profitability of the ELT sector was built on teachers’ commitment and experience, and teachers will be central to building the sector back up once the pandemic is over.

“The Irish ELT sector is already known for providing a high-quality learning experience.  Now, the Government’s ‘Roadmap’ for ending the lockdown, together with the safety protocol published over the weekend, offers them an opportunity to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment.

“Given that it is so dependent on foreign travel, re-building the sector will pose significant challenges.  Health and safety will be high on the agenda for teachers, and schools must start engaging collectively with teachers now, to ensure full implementation of the safety protocol.

“Post-Covid, there will be an opportunity to re-imagine the Irish ELT sector so that it becomes known for high-quality jobs and high levels of health and safety”, Mr Byrne concluded.