The Work

Classroom assistants are likely to be responsible for a variety of tasks such as handing out work materials (paper, books, paints etc) and clearing away after specific activities. They may help pupils with reading, writing or practical tasks such as painting. If working with very young children they may assist them in getting ready for activities like PE.  They may also have to tend to those who are unwell or who have incurred minor injuries.  
 
They may read aloud, supervise lunch times, class outings and sports events. They are responsible for helping to promote social awareness in the pupils and encouraging learning through play activities.  
 
Classroom assistants are part of an educational team and as such they will have to consult with other professionals such as teachers, social workers, therapists, counselors, parents and carers.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assist in bus loading and unloading.
• Assist librarians in school libraries.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees, as required.
• Clean classrooms.
• Collect money from students for school-related projects.
• Conduct demonstrations to teach skills, such as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
• Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Distribute teaching materials, such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
• Distribute tests and homework assignments and collect them when they are completed.
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

To become a registered Montessori teacher, you must meet certain qualifications requirements. Learners can develop from pathways in care via Aistear & Siolta in early childhood education. The qualifications & vetting must meet Dept of Children Early years qualification requirements click here. 

Training & Development pathways

FET Centre Traineeship: Early childhood care & education [Ecce], Facilitation courses in centres around Ireland at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET PLC Courses: Early childhood care & Montessori education [Ecce] at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Apprenticeship: There are currently no apprenticeships live in this occupational area

Higher Education CAO Entry: Montessori Education, Early childhood care health & education courses available around Ireland at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search our CAO coursefinder

A number of institutions offer Montessori training at diploma and degree level in Ireland including:

• NM701/ NM801 The St. Nicholas Montessori College, (Dun Laoighre, Cork and Limerick)
• CR440 Montessori Education Cork Inst Technology  
• Direct Apply Montessori Colege, Mount St Mary's, Milltown, Dublin 

-Postgraduate Study Options Early Childhood Care & Education at NFQ level 9 Search postgrad courses

Professional Continuous Development: Teaching Pathway routes

An undergraduate Montessori Qualification is required, which has been taken over a minimum period of three years of full time study (or equivalent) at a minimum of Level 8 on the NFQ, and carrying at least 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.

Under Department of Education and Skills regulations, such teachers are eligible for employment as a teacher in restricted school settings, i.e. in certain categories of special schools and in certain classes in mainstream schools where Irish is not a curricular requirement. 

For full detail see Regulation Three & Four of the Teaching Council [Registration] Regulations 2017 [click here to view]. 

Last Updated: November, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €27k - €42k

Salaries vary by employer, role, duties, location, and experience. Employment may be in post primary or third level where salary scales will vary by Institution. Payment can be pro rata based on hours worked. 

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Indeed/ Gov.ie

Last Updated: March, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong employment growth in the five-year period for this occupation (which includes special needs teachers, nursery managers/owners and school principals), employment levels fell slightly since 2021.

Budget 2023 announced that by the end of 2023 there will be 686 additional posts for special education teachers. This occupation has a high share of persons employed aged 55 years and over which may see increased replacement demand in future years.

• The Teaching Council

  • Block A, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth Co. Kildare
  • (01) 651 7900
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Education and Skills

  • Marlborough St, Dublin 1
  • (01) 889 6400
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Learning Support Association (ILSA)

  • c/o Drumcondra Education Centre, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
  • Click Here