Joanne Irwin, a Killygordon based teacher employed with Donegal ETB is a candidate to become the next Vice-President of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).
Previously a Chairperson of the Co. Donegal Teachers’ Union of Ireland Branch (with almost 500 members), she has taken many successful cases for individual members.
Ms. Irwin is currently a member of TUI’s Executive Committee. She is Chairperson of the TUI’s Further Education Sub-Committee and a former Chairperson of TUI’s Post-Primary/Further Education Advisory Council. TUI has almost 15,000 members at second and third level in the Irish education sector. The Union is made up of 59 branches in 19 areas.
Ms. Irwin has taught in all TUI sectors including second and third level and in further and adult Education such as Youthreach, Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), VTOS and Community Education.
She has been nominated by 32 branches including the three Donegal Branches – Donegal Community and Comprehensive schools, Co. Donegal ETB Schools and Centres and at third-level, the Donegal Colleges Branch.
Commenting on her campaign, Ms. Irwin stated “It has been an enjoyable experience meeting TUI members all over the country. A huge concern among our second level members is the reform of the Junior Cycle. There seems to be a lack of information among members as to how the new Junior Cycle Student Award will work in practical terms. There has been no meaningful engagement or consultation with teachers by the Department or the Minister.
“The unilateral decision by the Minister for Education and Skills to abolish state certification for the Junior Cert, in my opinion, has the potential to further divide an unequal education system and urgently needs to be challenged. Having worked in a DEIS school, I am very well aware of the challenges teachers face on a daily basis. Schools trying to compete with neighbouring more affluent schools will be further divided, both in the educational system and by extension in society in general”.
TUI will ballot members shortly for industrial action in relation to the Junior Cert Reform. The decision to ballot members was arrived at in order to ensure that teachers’ concerns are addressed and that standards, fairness and quality are safeguarded. The industrial action may include non-cooperation with the Junior Cycle Framework activities.
One issue of major concern in the third level sector is the proposed restructuring of Higher Education. This proposal involves the creation of the Connacht Ulster Alliance, which envisions a number of Institutes of Technology coming together.
Ms. Irwin states “TUI has a number of concerns relating to the consultation process adopted. It is very important, in my opinion, and bearing in mind the impact of such a decision, that we get it right”.
Balloting for the Vice-President of TUI is currently taking place with a closing date of Thursday 13 March.
Further information on Joanne and her Vice Presidential campaign can be found on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TUIVicePresidentElection.