r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • Jul 10 '25
Hi all,
The mod team have realised the pinned thread on interview questions only related to Post Primary Teachers. Our bad. Myself and u/Feardochas would like to create a similar thread for Primary Interviews. We have no idea how they go, whether they're the same format etc.
So we're asking all Primary teachers to comment below with as many interview questions, tips and general advice they can remember so that we can put it into a master thread later on.
Cheers all.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • Mar 31 '24
Post Primary Interview Queations:
It was suggested that we have a stickied post this time of year for Frequently asked Interview Questions. I've compiled a list if my own from past experience and ones shared by other teachers. If you have any of your own please comment below. Afterwards, I'll compile the list of questions and sticky at the top. I'll try to include some answers too.
We can look at AP1 & AP2 Interview Questions also if people want.
Keep the suggestions coming.
General Questions
Who is a mandated person?
You are. As a result you are obliged to report any suspected child abuse to the DLP, DDLP or, if both are completely unavailable, the Gardai.
What do you do if you suspect a child is being abused or is in danger in some way?
Use the term DLP. Refer your suspicion to the DLP. Know who it is in the school. This is the Designated Liaison Person. It is the person to whom all child abuse is referred to. The DLP is (always?) the Principal. The DDLP or Deputy DLP is normally the Deputy Principal. You go to them if the DLP is unavailable.
What do you do if a child confides something of significance to you?
First, ascertain the status of the child's wellbeing in the moment. Are they hurt or scared right now? Second, take note of everything that is being said to you. Do not EVER promise to keep it a secret no matter what the child says. Report it to the DLP.
What is your impression or understanding of the school's ethos?
Look the Ethos up on the website, have a general understanding of how it relates to teaching.
How would you deal with misbehavior or disruption by students? Specifc example or general.
Always remember: Student Wellbeing is Paramount. De-escalate the situation. Restorative practice vs Punative. Know the code of conduct. Communicate with school support system (Year Heads, Guidance Counsellor, Anti Bullying Coordinator where relevant) be specific.
What extra curricular activities would you like to be involved in at the school?
If you don't have a sport, have something academic. A club etc.
You come across a class where the teacher is struggling to maintain control of the class. What do you do?
Never had a perfect answer for this. You obviously don't want to jump in and undermine the teacher. You should wait to speak with them after possibly but also ensure student wellbeing. Suggestions would be good.
Subject Specific Questions
What did you think of the most recent JC OL/HL LC OL/HL exam paper
You could be asked about a specific question or the whole thing in general. Look at the relevant papers especially if the interview is in the Summer.
How would you get OL students interested in your subject?
Walk me through a lesson you would teach in your subejct
Language Subject Interviews will usually conduct some of the interview in said Language.
In all contexts and hypotheticals, never ever leave the children or students or class unsupervised. Student Wellbeing is Paramount.
If asked whether you have any questions at the end, I heard a great one recently that I wish I had used. A new teacher asked the Principal (who was in the interview) "What would you expect from a teacher working in your school?"
Please add to the list below and if you have alternative answers let me know too!
Cheers!
r/IrishTeachers • u/GullibleRaisin2909 • 2h ago
I applied for Droichead on Wednesday 6th (opening day was Tuesday 5th), has anyone received confirmation they can start yet? Or how long does it usually take for them to accept the application? I want to book in for cluster meetings but I can't until I've heard back.
Also any advice on Droichead? Primary route :) I don't even really know what it entails as I've been away for a few years.
r/IrishTeachers • u/YoureAQueerOne • 5h ago
Just started a job in an all boys school (secondary) and really not enjoying it and don’t think it’s for me - have only ever worked at all girls schools… can I leave and just sub in other schools instead? Really feel like contacting my old school that I left a couple of years ago for sub work.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • 48m ago
Whether its asking about PMEs, Management, Droichead, Hibernia or classes, I've noticed we can all focus on the negative sometimes. And thats often warranted, to be fair.
What have been your highlights? What were the moments that made you glad you're doing what youre doing?
The quote is from Chuck Palahniuk FYI.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • 9h ago
A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.
Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Cool_Transition1139 • 9h ago
Hi everyone, just wondering if anyone has contects/recommendations for subbing in Dublin especially around
-Ballyfermot -Inchicore -Chapelizord
I have been subbing for the past year, saving for the PME, but my school doesn't have as many hours this year.
I will be emailing the schools in my area also.
TIA and happy Friday!
r/IrishTeachers • u/lethargicmoonlight • 17h ago
Im looking for tips, tricks and resources. I’m new to junior cycle and the Irish system. I’ve only taught high school GCSE.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Unusual-Dream-1891 • 19h ago
I was checking my timetable on VSware today and noticed that some of the classes I was subbing for on Monday have disappeared from the schedule. Does anyone know if this means I won’t get paid for those classes now? Is this something I should flag with the VP, or does it usually sort itself out?
r/IrishTeachers • u/Eukl_01 • 21h ago
Just wondering can someone tell me or send me a link to find the pay dates for primary school teaching for 2025/2026. I am subbing and just want to know the pay dates.
r/IrishTeachers • u/CoatAccomplished4783 • 1d ago
r/IrishTeachers • u/Eukl_01 • 1d ago
I am due to start Hibernia next week. I am both nervous and excited. If anyone on here who completed the PME with Hibernia has any advice I would really appreciate it. Especially tips, resources, staying organised, how to stop burn out, making time for yourself. Please comment what worked best for ye. I have also been offered set subbing in a school is it possible to balance both subbing and the Hibernia programme. All advice is welcome !!!
r/IrishTeachers • u/bebo341 • 1d ago
Hi I have applied for my teaching council number (route 3), can I sub while this is pending or do I have to wait until I get my number?
I will be starting Hibernia soon and I am looking to get some work subbing at the same time.
Does anyone have any tips for subbing as I have never done it before?
Thanks so much
r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • 1d ago
A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.
Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.
r/IrishTeachers • u/flim_flam_jim_jam • 2d ago
I'm a post primary teacher who couldn't get a contract for this year so I will be relying on subbing work. I've added my cv to sub seeker and on the etb website, but is this enough? Do schools even look at those sites? Should I be going to schools in person? I've heard mixed things.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • 2d ago
A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.
Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.
r/IrishTeachers • u/grey_ghost2468 • 2d ago
Hiya, I was just wondering does anyone know what the new PDip Guidance Course is like? I know it’s very new but I’m thinking about doing it next year and I’d love to hear any opinions!
r/IrishTeachers • u/NostalgicDreaming • 2d ago
Primary school teacher here and looking for ideas of activities to run after school for an hour or so. At different points during the year we run or have ran Gaelic Football, Hurling/Camogie, Soccer, Basketball, Lego Club, Homework Club, Nature Club (run by external provider).
What other types of things have you seen done in your school or other schools?
r/IrishTeachers • u/cillianri • 3d ago
I’ve started subbing in a secondary school. My subject is PE, but I rarely have those classes on my timetable, normally supervising classes for absent teachers. Work is normally left for them, so I find myself doing very little for the duration of the class. Are there any useful courses (ideally free) that I could tip away with while I’m in class/staffroom? Doesn’t necessarily have to be linked to teaching either!
r/IrishTeachers • u/Dry_Watercress892 • 3d ago
I have heard that there's a subbing whatsapp group for Post Primary teachers. Is anyone a member and does any have access to this as I'm still struggling to find jobs
r/IrishTeachers • u/Cold_Accountant_731 • 2d ago
just went to register my first job on the teaching council website so that i could apply for droichead. it’s asking me about my paymasters with a list of county etbs. my school is not an etb school, do i still need to tick the county etb my school is in?
r/IrishTeachers • u/Availe • 3d ago
A place for teachers to share and discuss what's going on in their day. Feel free to vent, ask a question or just share your thoughts.
Please keep all comments respectful, have a great day.
r/IrishTeachers • u/Weak_Row6874 • 3d ago
Hello all,
Just wondering what the protocol for crying in front of your class. I teach in primary school around 3rd class, my dog has passed away last night and I have been very emotional and fear that I will breakdown in front of my class. Am I best to address this if it happens and explain why it happened. Is there a procedure in place for this , will parents of the children ask why I would talk about a dead dog... any advise is appreciated.
TL;DR my dog passed away , I am afraid of having a breakdown in class , is there a protocol for crying in front of the class
r/IrishTeachers • u/grey_ghost2468 • 3d ago
Hate to be the one posting this again - but has anyone been paid for correcting yet?? They said it would be 30 days and my revenue is empty!! It’s driving me mad 😂😂
r/IrishTeachers • u/Cold_Accountant_731 • 3d ago
nqt here. just wondering what the difference between monthly and long term plans are??
r/IrishTeachers • u/Straight_Tone2087 • 4d ago
Hello all, I am an NQT who recently started work in a DDLETB school. Apparently I will not be paid for my work for 6-8 weeks while they get me set up on their system.
I had read reports from 2019 about this and the uproar it caused in the unions, I had hoped it had been amended since then. My coworkers tell me that is unfortunately not the case.
I'm just wondering how I'm supposed to survive in Dublin for so long without pay. Would be very grateful for any advice anyone might have!!
r/IrishTeachers • u/LeopardLower • 4d ago
I’ve just moved to Dublin and looking for WhatsApp groups for subbing at primary level in south Dublin. Any information greatly appreciated