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Acronyms Commonly Used in Irish Education
Post Last Updated:: June 2025
If you’re preparing for a teaching interview, or reading through Department of Education or school policy documents, you’re likely to come across dozens of abbreviations and acronyms. For Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) and even experienced teachers, it can feel like learning a whole new language!
To help you navigate it all, I’ve put together a short, free guide below featuring some of the most commonly used acronyms in Irish primary education.
✅ This free version contains 25 key terms.
📘 A full reference guide with 45+ acronyms, grouped by theme, is included in the Complete Guide to Primary School Teaching Post Applications and Interviews available here.
🔤 Abbreviations You Should Know
🧑🏫 Roles and Qualifications
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NQT = Newly Qualified Teacher
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PME = Professional Masters in Education
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ITE = Initial Teacher Education
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SET = Special Education Teacher
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SNA = Special Needs Assistant
📚 Curriculum and Assessment
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PLC = Primary Language Curriculum
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PMC = Primary Mathematics Curriculum
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AFL = Assessment for Learning
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AOL = Assessment of Learning
🧠 Inclusion and Support
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SEN = Special Educational Needs
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ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder (Note, this is an outdated term, and the term “autistic person” is preferred by most)
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IEP = Individual Education Plan
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IBP = Individual Behaviour Plan
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COS = Continuum of Support
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NEPS = National Educational Psychological Service
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NCSE = National Council for Special Education
🏫 School Structures and Agencies
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BOM = Board of Management
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DEIS = Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools
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PDST = Professional Development Service for Teachers
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ETB = Education and Training Board
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DLP = Designated Liaison Person
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OLCS = Online Claims System
💡 Want the Full List?
Our Complete Guide to Primary School Teaching Post Applications and Interviews includes a comprehensive list of over 45 acronyms, all clearly explained and grouped into useful categories such as:
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Teaching Roles & Qualifications
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Curriculum & Methodologies
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SEN & Inclusion
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School Structures & Planning
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External Agencies & Supports
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School Types & Broader Educational Context
You’ll also find:
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Guidance and examples for completing the SAF
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Sample cover letters for different school contexts
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Interview tips and strategies
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Over 250 sample questions and answers
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Structured space to plan your own responses
📘 Find the workbook here:
👉 Teaching Post Interview Preparation Workbook
📥 Stay Updated
The language of education is always changing! To stay up to date with new terms, curriculum updates, and CPD opportunities, you can follow TeachingPlans.ie on social media:
