Irish migrant teachers missing home but enjoying the opportunities in Britain.
A new study, carried out by researchers at the Social Policy Research Centre of Middlesex University in collaboration with Irish in Britain, was launched last night at the Irish Embassy, found that large numbers of Irish teachers are making a positive contribution to the British educational system.
The research led by Prof Louise Ryan included an online survey, interviews and focus groups with over 100 recently arrived teachers. Most had found permanent employment in schools either before or soon after arriving in Britain. This contrasted sharply with the situation in Ireland where most had only managed to find part time or temporary jobs. These highly educated young people, whose average age was 28 years, were generally very positive about their work and life experiences in Britain.
Prof Ryan, co–director of the Social Policy Research Centre at Middlesex University, stated: “This is the first research project to focus on one occupational group among recently arrived Irish migrants. The results show some interesting differences between these young, highly qualified professionals and previous waves of Irish migrants to Britain. These are the first generation of Irish migrants to arrive in the post–‘peace agreement’ era and in the context of a newly enlarged EU. Clearly perceptions of Irish migrants in Britain have changed. Nonetheless, there are persistent pockets of anti–Irish sentiment in parts of British society and the endurance of some anti–Irish stereotypes, name–calling and so–called ‘jokes’ is a surprise to many of these young migrants. Clearly, much has changed but there is still some more work to be done in tackling anti–Irish stereotypes.”
Irish in Britain were delighted to collaborate with Middlesex University on this report and are particularly interested in connecting the new wave of Irish teachers in Britain.
One of the key recommendations of the report concluded that there is a need for an Irish Teachers Network. Irish teacher’s who would be interested in founding an Irish Teachers Network are invited to like a new Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/irishteachersnetwork the first meeting to form a new network will take place in the near future and will be announced on this Facebook page.
