Education Authority (Northern Ireland)
Teacher - Primary
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Teacher - Primary
Job Description: Teacher – Primary
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Principal
Professional Duties of a Teacher
As defined in Teachers’ (Terms and Conditions of Employment) Regulations 1987 (Northern Ireland), Schedule 3.
General Professional Duties
A teacher must perform duties under the reasonable direction of:
- The Principal if employed in a specific school
- The Board of Governors (and Principal) if employed without a specific school assignment
Key Responsibilities
1. Teaching & Assessment
- Plan, prepare, and deliver lessons tailored to pupils’ educational needs
- Set, mark, and manage work both in-school and remotely
- Assess, record, and report on pupils’ attainment and progress
2. Pastoral Care & Well-being
- Foster personal and academic development
- Provide guidance on education/emotional issues, further education, and careers
- Maintain confidential records (unless disclosure would compromise professional integrity)
- Engage with parents on pupil development
- Collaborate with external bodies as authorised by the employing authority
3. Administrative & Reporting Tasks
- Participate in assessments, reports, and references for pupils
- Maintain accurate records of pupil needs and achievements
4. Professional Development
- Engage in staff/further training and performance reviews
- Advise on curriculum, materials, programmes, assessment methods, and pastoral care
5. Discipline & Safety
- Maintain good order, discipline, and safety (premises and off-site activities)
- Participate in school meetings (curriculum, policy, and organisational discussions)
6. Examinations
- Prepare pupils for inspections and report relevant assessments
7. Management & Coordination
- Contribute to staff development (including probationer reviews)
- Coordinate teacher responsibilities (teaching, supervision, or support)
- Assist with curriculum, school functions, pastoral care, and administrative tasks
8. Attendance & Hours
- Full-time duty: 195 days/year (not more than 190 classroom hours)
- Annual hours: 1,265 (excluding off-site prep/journey time)
- Max weekly teaching: 25 hrs (primary/special schools) or 23.5 hrs (secondaries)
- Mid-day supervision: Not required unless specifically contracted
- Breaks: A minimum 30-minute midday pause (12:00–2:00) or 30 min (12:00–2:30: nursery schools).
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9. Staff Coverage
- Provide cover when colleagues are absent, subject to school size (see regulations for exceptions).
Note: The job description is flexible and subject to review.
Legal & Equal Opportunity Obligations
In compliance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the role is expected to:
- Promote good relations
- Foster equality of opportunity
- Adhere to equality legislation.
Person Specification
How to Apply
Clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the criteria. External portions of requirements may affect shortlisting.
Section 1: Essential Criteria
These will be assessed initially during shortlisting and again in interview.
Application Forms & Pre-Employment Checks
| Factor | Essential Criteria | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Hold a recognised teaching qualification for Northern Ireland grant-aided schools. | Shortlisted by application |
| Digital/Tech | Demonstrable experience of using technology (e.g., digital tools/media) to enhance learning. | Shortlisted by application |
| Support & SEN | Experience of teaching strategies supporting children of all abilities (incl. SEND). | Shortlisted by application |
| Registration | Registered with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). | Pre-employment check. |
Section 2: Further Essential Criteria (Interview-Based)
| Factor | Essential Criteria |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Knowledge | Proficiency in the Northern Ireland Curriculum |
| Safeguarding | Knowledge of NHS/NI child protection and Safeguarding |
| SEND Code of Practice | Understanding of relevant policies and strategy implementation |
| Teaching Methods | Experience of inclusive teacher training to meet diverse learning needs |
| IT Skills | Use of digital assessment/media systems (e.g., tablets, classroom tools) |
| Assessment | Knowledge of current analytical teaching methods and recordings |
| Skills | - Expertise in classroom teaching/management to inspire achievement <br> |
| - Ability to interpret individual learning support and provide interventions. | |
| Leadership & Teamwork | Proven collaborative skills (with pupils, peers, parents, and wider community). |
| Values Alignment | Fit with the school’s core ethos—provided in the applicant notes. |
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Section 3: Desirable Criteria
(Shortlisting may apply these if there are too many applications, and criteria will be applied in list order.)
| Factor | Desirable Criteria |
|---|---|
| Classroom Experience | One year experience teaching full classes at Key Stage 1, achieving measurable outcomes. |
| Pupil Progress | Experience of monitoring/pupil success including goal setting and intervention. |
| Safeguarding | Full understanding and application of best safeguarding practice among vulnerable children. |
Safeguarding Compliance
As defined in Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007:
- Posts involving child contact/regulated activity will require an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate (cost covered by the candidate).
Benefits & Further Information
benefits are detailed on the [[Education Authority website](#)]. For prompt support, view the application guide and equality policy.
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