Deputy Director
(ICT in Teaching, Learning and Assessment)
Job Description and General Notes
1. Overview
The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST), which includes the Technology in
Education Team (TIE), is a cross-sectoral support service under the remit of the Teacher
Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education and Skills (DES) which offers
professional development support to primary and post-primary teachers and school leaders.
The work of the PDST contributes to school improvement by providing high quality Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) on curricular and educational issues, fostering reflective
practice and ongoing development among teachers and school leaders.
PDST Technology in Education (TIE) is part of the PDST and it promotes and supports the
embedding of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment in first and second level schools. The
main functions of PDST Technology in Education fall into two categories:
1. Providing a range of ICT-related support services to schools
2. Support Policy development, strategic and administrative functions
The offices of TIE are based in the Dublin City University Campus (DCU) in Glasnevin.
One of the priorities for the Department of Education and Skills for the coming years is the
implementation of actions set out in a new Digital Strategy for Schools (Enhancing Teaching,
Learning & Assessment 2015-2020).
Other priorities for the Department of Education and Skills for the coming years include the
implementation of policies in relation to:
● Literacy
● Numeracy
● Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
● School Self-Evaluation (SSE)
● Health and Wellbeing
● School Leadership
● Post-Primary Subjects and Programmes
The PDST currently has a full-time secondment opportunity for the position of Deputy Director
(ICT in Teaching, Learning and Assessment).
This competition is for the appointment of a Deputy Director (ICT in teaching, learning and
assessment), who will report to the Director of the PDST
The remit of the Deputy Director will be the strategic and operational management of the PDST
Technology in Education and to oversee the embedding of ICT for teaching, learning and
assessment across the entire PDST organisation. S/he will report to the Director of PDST and
will be a member of the senior management team. The Deputy Director will contribute to the
strategic development of the PDST and will work closely with the Team Leader and Advisors for
ICT within PDST (and other Deputy Directors) in the identification of priorities and targets, the
development and implementation of service plans and the governance of the organisation.
The Deputy Director will work closely with the Team Leader and Advisors for ICT within PDST
in ensuring the embedding of ICT across all PDST priority areas and to contribute to the
development of the Professional Service for Teachers (PDST) including the identification of
priorities and targets; the development and implementation of service plans; and the
governance of the organisation. In the context of the PDST TIE Team, the Deputy Director will
work closely with the National Coordinators on the Technology in Education Team in particular
those with responsibility for CPD Design and Delivery, Scoilnet & Digital Content, Technology
Integration and ICT Infrastructure.
Planning and management are key requirements of the post of Deputy Director including the
development of Business Plans for approval by the Department of Education and Skills.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 25 May.
2. Job Description
The duties of the Deputy Director will be largely concerned with the deliverables associated
with the Digital Strategy for Schools including leading the adaptation of the UNESCO ICT
Competency Framework for Teachers to the Irish context and the revision of the ‘e-learning in
your school (NCTE 2009)’ planning resource and related disseminations supports for schools.
Planning and implementing a shared understanding of the embedding of ICT by Support
Services in the design and delivery of CPD is also a priority task.
The Deputy Director (ICT in Teaching, Learning and Assessment) will be responsible for:

researching national policy for integrating ICT in teaching, learning and assessment:
essential developments, opportunities and challenges in the pedagogical application of
ICT

advising the Minister for Education & Skills and his Department of Education and Skills
on all aspects of the application of ICT in teaching, learning and assessment. through
representation on the Implementation Advisory Group on the Digital Strategy for
Schools.

Supporting the integration of ICT in Teaching, Learning and Assessment and leading key
ICT projects and programmes, including specific pilots arising from time to time.

Development and monitoring of Annual Business Plans for PDST TIE

financial management of budget allocations in line with PDST finance protocols and in
consultation with the Deputy Director for Organisational Affairs

management functions in respect of PDST TIE personnel, including performance
management, approval of annual leave, sick leave, travel and subsistence (T&S)
claims, and employee assistance/welfare issues

ensuring effective collaboration with relevant bodies including the NCCA, Education
Centres, other DES support services Initial Teacher Education providers, Department
Inspectorate, other CPD providers, professional bodies, international research groups,
stakeholder consultative fora, industry, etc.

contributing to policy development and planning for the PDST overall

overseeing a strategic and collaborative approach to embed ICT in teaching, learning
and assessment across support services

participate in regional and other meeting and often at short notice

ensuring a cohesive approach to the management and development of internal PDST
ICT systems and structures (website, content management system, DMS for example)

assisting and supporting the National Director in leading and managing the PDST.
The responsibilities of the Deputy Director (ICT in Teaching, Learning and Assessment) may vary
in accordance with emerging needs and priorities. The Deputy Director will carry out his/her
functions in accordance with established policies of the PDST and the Department of Education
and Skills.
3. Range of knowledge, experience and skills required:
The ideal candidate will possess a range of competencies and skills to support the role, in
particular:

excellent knowledge and understanding of the role of ICT in teaching, learning and
assessment

in-depth knowledge of national and international developments with regard to ICT and
e-learning in education as well as the opportunities and challenges in the pedagogical
application of ICT

in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Digital Strategy for Schools and the
deliverables that pertain to the PDST

thorough understanding of ICT infrastructure deployment in practice across the schools
system, (curriculum-relevant digital content, ICT infrastructure, broadband and teacher
professional development)

excellent leadership, management, planning and organisation skills with a proven track
record in leadership, management, innovation, and teamwork

excellent staff management and motivation skills, and proven ability to lead and
manage change

excellent interpersonal skills

a strong work ethic

project management and project delivery skills

knowledge and experience of budgeting, financial reporting, data collection and report
writing

thorough knowledge of national curricula, the operation of schools and relevant
legislation

capacity to deliver clear evidence-based advice on topical and strategic issues of
national policy significance, often at short notice

knowledge of current and emerging education issues

knowledge and experience of effective teacher education, school leadership, school
self- evaluation and school improvement strategies

experience in the provision of teacher professional development including evidence of
a capacity to mobilise and support teacher reflection, enquiry and school-based
research

ability to pro-actively organise and coordinate the work of others

flexibility to meet the needs of the organisation, including a willingness to engage in
travel and/or evening work, as necessary. Flexibility is a key feature of the role in order
to meet the needs of the organisation, and so will include a willingness to engage in
travel and/or evening work as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper
performance of duties subject to the limits set down in the Organisation of Working
Time Act 1997.
4. Location
● Successful candidates will be seconded assigned to Dublin West Education Centre and
will report to the Director of the PDST PDST management team.
● It will not be a requirement that the Deputy Director be based in Dublin West Education
Centre. S/he will however, be expected to travel there and elsewhere as necessary.
● Successful candidates will be required to have their own means of transport and to
possess and retain a full driving licence.
● Public service travel and subsistence rates will apply and will be calculated from your
local designated Education Centre, or home, as appropriate.
5. Eligibility

This post is open to all qualified teachers who hold a recognised post in a recognised
primary or post primary school, and are fully registered with the Teaching Council
under the appropriate Teaching Council Registration Regulation (ie Regulation 2 or 4
of the Teaching Council (Registration) Regulation 2009 up to 25th July 2016 or Route 1
or 2 of the Teaching Council (Registrations) Regulations 2016 and the Teaching Council
(Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2016 thereafter).
It is also open to serving members of the PDST (Technology in Education) staff group –
who were formally NCTE staff - who possess the desirable experience/skills outlined in
this document.
● This post is not restricted to qualified teachers but is open to candidates in the former
NCTE group who possess the desirable expertise/skills outlined in this document
● Any offer of appointment will only be made where it is considered that a suitable
candidate for the post exists
● The appointment is subject to the sanction of the Minister for Education and Skills.
No definitive offer of appointment can be made before sanction is given
● If the successful candidate is a seconded teacher; the appointment is on a
secondment basis, subject to contract. The successful candidate will be appointed as
soon as possible and until further notice, with a possibility of further extensions
available in line with normal procedures for secondments, subject to organisational
needs and satisfactory performance
● If the successful candidate is a serving member of the PDST TIE staff group (who were
former NCTE staff); the appointment will be on a temporary contract basis.

The post is subject to review on an annual basis
● Former NCTE staff will be advised by Dublin West Education Centre with regard to
remuneration
● The contract will provide for on-going performance review
● Health, sick leave and general work record must be satisfactory
If appointment on Secondment:
● Successful candidates will be appointed on a secondment basis for one school year,
subject to satisfactory completion of a three-month probationary period.
Appointments may be extended in accordance with DES teacher secondment
arrangements up to a maximum of five consecutive years and subject to
organisational needs and satisfactory on-going performance review.
● A teacher may be seconded as outlined above, subject to an overall maximum
absence of ten years on secondment in the course of his/her professional career
● The secondment is subject to annual review and renewal and to annual school
authority/Board of Management and Department of Education and DES approval.
● If the successful candidate is a teacher who is already on secondment then their
current service on secondment will be included as part of the maximum five-year
term.
● A teacher who was on secondment and returned to school after the 1 st September
2013 following a secondment, s/he must have served for a period equal to the
duration of the previous secondment arrangement before being eligible to apply for
this post, e.g. if a teacher has been on secondment for three years, s/he must return
to duty in the school/ETB for three years before being eligible for release on
secondment again.
● A secondment shall commence on the start of a school year and a return to duty in
the school/ETB which granted the secondment shall not be permitted other than on
the start of a succeeding school year. In exceptional circumstances, an employer may
authorise a teacher to commence a secondment during the course of a school year
and terminate not earlier than the end of that school year. This is deemed to be a
one-year secondment.
● The duration of a secondment may not extend beyond the date of compulsory
retirement age.
Serving members of PDST (Technology in Education) – former NCTE staff
● A temporary contract will apply subject to an overall maximum of 5 consecutive
years, subject to satisfactory completion of a three-month probationary period.
● A successful candidate will return to his/her previous position on completion of the
secondment period.
● The contract shall commence on a start date agreed with and between the PDST
Director and the DWEC.
● The duration of the contract may not extend beyond the date of compulsory
retirement age.
Department of Education and Skills Sanction
●
Each appointment is subject to the sanction of the Department of Education and Skills
●
No definitive offer of appointment can be made before sanction is given
Contract
●
Each successful candidate will be required to sign a contract, which will provide for an
on-going performance and development process.
Other
●
In considering candidates for appointment under this competition, regard may be
had to the duration of contract that may be offered to a candidate.
●
Each appointment is subject to evidence of Garda Vetting clearance and evidence of a
satisfactory sick leave record being provided by the successful candidate to Dublin
West Education Centre
●
Each appointment is subject to satisfactory references, including from the applicant’s
current employer
●
Dublin West Education Centre in consultation with the Department of Education &
Skills reserves the right to re-advertise the post where it is considers there are an
insufficient number of eligible applicants. Eligible applicants will be informed and given
the option of leaving their application on file.
●
The successful candidate will work exclusively for Dublin West Education Centre and
may not take on other employments for the period of their contract without the
appropriate approval.
6. Salary
For secondment, the salary for a Deputy Director is in accordance with Category 2 as provided
for by the 2003 Arbitration Award in respect of teachers on secondment, subject to the
conditions outlined below. Remuneration is at all times subject to the relevant DES or
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations.
A Deputy Directory is entitled to all of the following:
● her/his relevant point on the Teachers’ Common Basic Scale, plus
● an honours primary degree allowance
● an honours Higher Diploma in Education allowance
● the standard Category 2 secondment allowance, which is pensionable (see table below)
Seconded PDST
Category Position
2
Deputy
Director
Teachers’
Common
Basic Scale
As applicable
Honours
Degree
Allowance
€4,918pa
01/01/2010
Honours
H.D.E.
allowance
€1,236pa
01/01/2010
Standard
Secondment
Allowance
€16,825pa
01/01/2010
Former NCTE staff, who are serving staff members of the PDST TIE, will be advised by the
Dublin West Education Centre, in consultation with the Department of Education and Skills,
with regard to remuneration.
Post of responsibility allowances will not be payable to seconded personnel who are in
receipt of the above secondment allowances.
7. Selection Procedure
● Selection will be by way of competitive interview
● Completed application forms should be submitted as an e-mail attachment only by
5pm on Thursday 25 May to [email protected]
● Late applications will not be considered.
● A selection committee will be established to carry out all aspects of the selection
process.
● Shortlisting may apply.
● It is the responsibility of the candidates to make themselves available for interview, if
invited to attend. Candidates should note that it may not be possible to provide an
alternative date.
● Those called for interview will be asked to make a 5 minute presentation to the
interview panel focusing on the applicant’s vision for the position and the contribution
they could make to the development of the organisation.
● This interview will be competency based in line with the skills outlined in part 3 above
of the job description and those set out in the application form.
● A panel may be formed from which future vacancies may be filled.
● Canvassing directly or indirectly will disqualify applications.
● Candidates will be responsible for all expenses incurred in connection with their
application and interview.
8. Release from Present Post
● It is a matter for successful candidates to secure the agreement of their school
authorities for release to take up a post for the period concerned or in the case of a
serving member of the PDST (Technology in Education) staff group, the agreement of
the DWEC
● Successful candidates will be expected to be available to take up appointment as soon
as possible
● Commitment of release from your employer will be required. On receipt of an offer the
successful candidate will be asked to seek immediate confirmation from his/her
employer (e.g. Chairperson of the Board of Management). This signed statement should
indicate that the employer (e.g. Chairperson of the Board of Management) is in a
position to release the successful applicant.
9. Queries
Any queries in relation to this document should be emailed to [email protected]