DCU Institute of Education
DCU Institute of Education
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    Professional Development

    Current Courses

    Induction Course for Teachers of Pupils with Severe to Profound General Learning Disabilities 2023/24

    The School of Inclusive and Special Education, DCU Institute of Education, will deliver an in-service induction course designed for teachers of pupils with Severe and Profound Learning Disabilities at the request of the Department of Education (DE).

    Course Aims

    To increase teachers¡¯ confidence and competence in appropriate and effective assessment, planning and teaching for learners with severe to profound general learning disabilities (SPGLD). To build on knowledge and experience through a collaborative approach to professional development, in order to enact effective and inclusive practice.

    Structure of Course

    Part 1: 15th April to April 19th 2024 (3 days on campus and 2 online)

    Part 2: 1st - 3rd May 2024 (2 days on campus and 1 online)

    The Teacher Section of the Department of Education (DE) has agreed to fund:
    a substitute teacher in place of each teacher attending the course  

    Substitute cover is allowed depending on approval of Boards of Management.

    Eligibility

    Teachers with a current teaching role with learners with a severe to profound general learning disability (who have not previously attended) are eligible to apply once they can attend on dates outlined both online and on campus.

    Learning Outcomes
    • To demonstrate an understanding of severe to profound general learning disabilities, co-occurring conditions and disabilities and implications for educational support at different levels (pupils, teacher, class and school community)
    • To identify and discuss appropriate assessment, to inform planning for learning in areas of cognition, communication and language and personal and social development.
    • To demonstrate skills in developing pupil profiles, including the identification of priority areas of pupil strength and areas for development.
    • To identify, discuss and share appropriate, evidence based teaching methodologies, strategies and resources.
    • To foster an understanding of person centered approaches to supporting the learner through pupil voice, wellbeing and collaboration amongst staff.
    • To identify direct and indirect functional behaviour assessment methods, implement components of a functional assessment and develop a behaviour support plan.

    Closing Date for Applications: Closing Date for applications: Friday February 9th 2024, 5pm

    Application Form ?

    Further Enquiries
    email: ioe.ise@dcu.ie | phone: 01-8842042

    Following on from the course I now focus on what the child can do instead of focusing on what he/she can¡¯t do. From the sessions on the course I now know that the children in my class can make progress.

    Previous Courses