NQTs who register with oide-droichead.com are asked to use the same email addresswhen registering with this ESC.

Cluster Meeting 1 is a requirement of all NQTs participating in Droichead. This meeting provides NQTs with information relating to all aspects of the Droichead process from start to finish. NQTs are given the opportunity to discuss how best they can engage with their Professional Support Team (PST) in order to get support and guidance in addressing their professional learning needs. Key elements of teacher professionalism, the roles and responsibilities of the NQT and PST, observations, developing a Taisce and the completion of Form D are explored with facilitators and peers. Guidance on Preparation for Teaching and Learning is provided at Primary.

NQTs must apply for Droichead via the ‘My Registration’ portal on www.teachingcouncil.ieand receive a confirmation email from the Teaching Council (which gives approval to commence the Droichead process), prior to registering for any cluster meetings.

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 2023/2024.

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 2023.2024. This should be read in tandem with Cluster Meetings: Important Information & Attendance Protocols.

Registration on DESC website:

Donegal Education Support Centre (DESC) 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.