I am considering applying for a career break, how do I apply?
A teacher seeking a career break must submit their application to their employer (ie school) not later than 1st February of each school year prior to that in which they propose to commence the career break. A late application may be considered by the employer in exceptional circumstances.
Where can I locate the required application form?
The career break application form is located at Appendix A, chapter 7, of circular letter 0054/2019.
Is the granting of a career break guaranteed?
No, career breaks are granted at the discretion of your employer and their decision is final is this regard. career breaks are not a statutory entitlement.
When will I know if my career break application was successful?
Your employer should notify you by the 1st March if your application has been approved or refused. If refused, your employer must include the grounds for refusal.
If my career break application has been refused, can I appeal this decision?
There is no appeal process, as the decision of your employer is final.
If my career break application is successful, can I withdraw my career break application at a later date?
Taking account of the extent of arrangements to be put in place by the employer to accommodate the career break, the applicant is not permitted to withdraw their application after 14th April. In exceptional circumstances the employer may consider a later withdrawal of a career break application.
What is the duration of each career break?
A career break is for a period of not less than 1 school year (ie 1st September to 31st August inclusive) and may be extended on an annual basis provided the total period of the career break does not exceed 5 years at any one time, subject to an overall maximum of 10 years absence in the course of the teacher’s career.
A subsequent career break may not be taken until the teacher has served for a period equal to the duration of the previous career break.
Is my career break considered a break in service?
A teacher on career break is deemed for all purposes to be in employment with the exception of remuneration, superannuation or the service requirement for promotion. A career break absence will not affect a teacher’s seniority
Can I teach while on career break?
A teacher absent on career break may not be employed in an approved teaching or special needs assistant post funded by monies provided by the Oireachtas. In exceptional circumstances, an employer may appoint a qualified teacher on career break for substitute teaching purposes subject to a maximum of 300 hours in a school year.
(The above restriction has been temporarily lifted in previous school years, however the lifting of the restriction is not guaranteed and is only announced within the relevant school year)
Do I need to maintain my Teaching Council registration while on career break?
The ASTI strongly recommends that teachers on career break maintain their Teaching Council registration. If you allow your registration to lapse while you are on career break you will need to reapply to the Teaching Council prior to your return to teaching.