“The Teacher Education Access course is facilitating my dream of becoming a teacher” according to Claire Coyne from Killarneywho speaking at the Adult Education Awards ceremony held in MIC on Saturday 26 May when 24 mature learners from varying ages and cultures graduated from the two adult access programmes, the Teacher Education Access Course and the Foundation Certificate Programme.

The Teacher Education Access Course for Mature Learners is a part-time programme for adult learners and is unique in the Irish higher education system.  The course, offered by MIC in partnership with the City of Limerick Vocational Educational Committee, Adult Education Service, is designed for mature learners who wish to gain entry to the B Ed. (Primary Education) at the College. The course is aimed at anyone over the age of 22 by January 1st on the year of application, who is interested in applying to the B Ed (Primary Education) and who does not hold the minimum entry requirements.  Those who successfully complete the course and fulfil the minimum entry requirements for the B Ed are offered a place on the BED (Primary) Degree programme in MIC.  This year sees he first graduates from the course graduating from the B Ed programme in October at the annual MIC conferring ceremonies. 

Speaking on her experience of the course Claire Coyne commented: “I have always wanted to study for primary teaching but I did not have the Irish or English requirements.  For me this access course was what I needed, as before completing the course I was afraid of the Irish language and feared returning to education.  The support I have received from all the excellent lecturers has instilled me with the confidence I needed. The Teacher Education Access course is facilitating my dream of becoming a teacher.    I am a mother with two small children and hold down a part-time job… if I can do this anyone can.”

Congratulating all the graduates of the Foundation Certificate Programme and the Teacher Education Access Course Professor Eugene Wall, President of MIC said; “Education involves a major transition in a mature student’s life, it is a journey of personal growth and self-transformation.  I know that many of you faced great personal challenges while participating in this course. By getting to this point you have demonstrated immense commitment. I wish to commend each and every one of you on your hard work, perseverance and dedication. Your wonderful achievement is encapsulated in the certificate I will present to you this afternoon. I wish to also pay tribute to those who have supported you on this journey, your family and friends. I thank them on your behalf”.

He continued to speak of the genuine commitment in MIC to offer access to education to all especially those who may have lost out educationally in the past as they represent a reservoir of talent and ability.  He finished by paying special tribute to the staff of Mary Immaculate College for their involvement in the planning and delivery of these courses and for the impressive network of support services they provide the students with. 

Applications are currently being invited for the Teacher Education Access Course with an application deadline of 1 June 2018.  See www.mic.ul.ie for further details.