Writing by Dr Kate Smyth, Strategic Comms Officer
Yesterday, adult education tutors held a protest outside the Dáil calling for better pay and conditions for their work. They seek parity of esteem and conditions with teachers. They are paid by the hour, without reliable contracts or security for their jobs. They have to claim social welfare during school holidays.
“We work as teachers, but we’re paid as tutors,” said Roisin Fitzmaurice from Cork city.
We at AONTAS are continually advocating for better pay and conditions for staff in the adult and community education sector. We recognise the challenges faced by tutors across Ireland and support their current campaign. Adult education is an essential part of supporting stable, strong, welcoming communities across the country, especially in times of challenges such as rising levels of poverty, mental health issues, anti-immigration, and misinformation.
From our research into Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland, results show that a core strength of adult education is the tutors’ capacity to help and support students. This is an essential part of the tertiary education system, especially given the numerous barriers learners and students now face to continue to stay in education.
Our findings show that 1 in 3 adults who are taking a FET course or training programme feel that mental health problems like stress and anxiety affect their ability to learn or study. But tutors across the country are providing reassurance and a sense of equality for learners, especially those who had previous negative experiences with education. Tutors help them towards success and wellbeing.
This echos findings from a 2019 report from the National Forum for Teaching and Learning and their report “Making A Difference’ A Student View of Excellent Teaching", which states that the personal approach of adult education tutors is key to learners’ success in progressing to higher education.
Tutors’ expertise in supporting adult learners is particularly important in adult education as many people are coping with difficult challenges in their personal lives, such as poverty, homeless, caring responsibilities, or illness.
Tutors’ respectful and supportive approach to education helps learners to engage in their course, to stay engaged, to find greater personal wellbeing, and potentially to progress to higher education and new employment.
Speaking about yesterday’s protest, AONTAS CEO Dearbháil Lawless said:
"Staff turnover and low pay is a challenge for many sectors, especially in the current economic and housing crises. Adult education tutors must have improved pay and conditions to protect the quality of education provision in Ireland, as well the experience and success of learners, and the wellbeing of our communities.”
For any questions, contact comms@aontas.com