Ireland’s First Course for Primary Teachers on Homophobic Bullying in Primary Schools

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