Deirdre MacDonald, of the Wexford Tony Boland branch, proposing the motion, said everyone has heard so much about wellbeing during the pandemic but action is needed.
She said finding time to get to know students, their personalities, talents, difficulties, and learning styles is directly linked to class size.
The issue could be addressed by reducing class size in line with international best practice, she added. “This would give real meaning to what has to date only been trite words on wellbeing and welfare from the Department of Education,” she said.
English and religious education teacher Therese Glennon said relationships in the classroom are important academically and for good mental health. She said it takes 10 to 15 minutes to correct a student’s work, so that would mean over seven hours with a class of 30.
Change to vaccine rollout schedule not a value judgment on teachers - Foley
The INTO, ASTI, and TUI have agreed to put forward a shared emergency motion, however, the exact wording will not be available until tomorrow.
The three teaching unions are due to bring a shared, emergency motion to delegates tomorrow, demanding vaccine prioritisation for teachers.
Tue, 06 Apr, 2021 - 15:21
Jess Casey, Shauna Bowers and Nicole Glennon Scroll down for:
ASTI adopts maximum class size of 24 policy
Harris - Funding for higher education ducked and dodged for too long
Motion on future Leaving Cert curriculum reform passed unanimously by ASTI