Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) - Post Primary Cluster Meeting 1 (PP)

Droichead Cluster Meetings for NQTs
Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) are required to attend up to three different cluster meetings for the duration of their Droichead process. Each cluster meeting is a forum where NQTs can discuss and seek clarification about the Droichead process and professional practice. NQTs are encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, reflect upon particular challenges and share successes, ideas and experiences. Cluster meetings are facilitated by experienced Droichead Induction Associates and provide avenues of both professional and personal support to NQTs. This shared-learning approach builds professional relationships, confidence and competence. NQTs must complete their full cluster meeting requirement in line with the Droichead Cluster Meeting Calendar 2024.2025.

Post-primary NQTs can access the Droichead Cluster Meeting Calendar 2024.2025 here and the Cluster Meetings: Important Information and Protocols for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) 2024.2025 here.

Cluster Meeting Requirement:
NQTs must complete one different cluster meeting (specific to their sector, primary or post-primary) per term in sequential order for the duration of their Droichead process. NQTs must complete Cluster Meeting 1 (CM 1) before engaging in either Cluster Meeting 2 (CM 2) and/or Cluster Meeting 3 (CM 3). NQTs should not submit their online Form D until all aspects of their Droichead process, including their full cluster meeting requirements, have been fulfilled. If a Form D is received where all the cluster meeting requirements are not met, it will not be processed by the Teaching Council.

CM 1 will be available face-to-face in education support centres and CM 2 and CM 3 will be available online as per the Droichead Cluster Meeting Calendar 2024.2025. This should be read in tandem with Cluster Meetings: Important Information & Attendance Protocols.

Registration on DESC website:
Donegal Education Support Centre is the central administration hub for Droichead Cluster Meetings nationally. All NQTs must first register here in order to receive and download cluster meeting certificates. The submission of cluster meeting certificates to the Teaching Council is one of the requirements when concluding the Droichead process.

• Primary NQTs should note that Cluster Meeting 1 (CM 1) for Primary NQTs will run on (1st October 2024) and (17th October 2024) in our education support centre (ESC).
• Post-primary NQTs should note that Cluster Meeting 1 (CM 1) for Post-primary NQTs will run on (17th October 2024) and (3rd December 2024) in our education support centre (ESC).
• There will be no further CM 1 events in our centre until after the October mid-term break.
• Registration for one or more CM 1 events (subject to demand) will open week commencing October 21st. Please check our website for details at that time.
• NQTs are advised that CM 1 events are also available in other ESCs - please check their websites for details. Thank you.