Ireland’s First Course for Primary Teachers on Homophobic Bullying in Primary Schools
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Today Educate Together and BeLonG To Youth Services announced the first ever in-service course for Primary Teachers on addressing homophobic bullying in primary schools. The course is approved by the Department of Education and Skills, as one of their Teacher Education Summer courses. The course is supported by the INTO and will take place in the INTO Learning Centre, 38 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, from Monday 4th to Friday 8th July.
Paul Rowe, CEO of Educate Together said, “Educate Together is delighted to be offering a course challenging homophobia, which can manifest itself in primary schools and have long-term repercussions for children and families alike.”
Michael Barron, CEO of BeLonG To Youth Services, said “It’s very important that homophobic bullying is tackled in primary schools because this is where it starts. Homophobic bullying is the most common form of harassment experienced by young people, including in primary schools. It can have really devastating effects.”
Sheila Nunan, general secretary of the INTO, said, “The INTO is extremely proud to be involved in the development and delivery of this course. Addressing homophobia at the primary level is long overdue.”
Michael Barron continued, “We’re very pleased to deliver this course with Educate Together. And we warmly welcome the support of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.”
The course is open to all primary teachers and principals. It will give them the knowledge and capacity to address homophobia, for example by:
- Developing whole school approaches;
- Enhancing pastoral care of all pupils who experience homophobic bullying;
- Curricular support for teachers;
- Inclusion of pupils who may identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT);
- Inclusion of pupils who have LGBT parents or family members; and
- Enhancing understanding of relevant equality legislation.
Registration for the course is currently open to all primary teachers across Ireland at www.educatetogether.ie or by phoning 01 429 2500
More News
Statement from Belong To in response to Prime Time
For over 20 years, Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland has supported trans young people and their families Central to our work is ...
Read moreCelebrity hairdresser Andrew Fitzsimons talks about the importance of LGBTQ+ allies during Stand Up Awareness Week.
Stand Up Awareness Week, Ireland’s largest LGBTQ+ anti-bullying campaign, takes place from November 6-10, 2023 Celebrity hairdresser ...
Read moreWhy we decided to leave Twitter/X
Our vision is a society where LGBTQ+ young people are equal, safe and thriving This includes both offline and online spaces At Belong ...
Read moreHundreds of LGBTQ+ young people lead Dublin’s 50th Pride parade
Over 400 young LGBTQ+ people from across Ireland led the Dublin Pride parade today through Dublin City Centre on the event’s 50th ...
Read moreBelong To LGBTQ+ Summer Project
Join other LGBTQ+ young people from 14-23 years old this summer for a series of free events and activities Throughout July and August, ...
Read moreBelong To Primary research launched
Nine in 10 primary school staff in Ireland believe it is important to know about LGBTQ+ inclusivity, according to new research by ...
Read more