School Placement

What is School Placement?

School placement is a structured period of professional practice in a school setting, during which student teachers develop and demonstrate their teaching skills under the guidance of experienced teachers and University tutors. It is an essential component of all initial teacher education programmes at the University of Limerick.

As part of the requirements set by the Teaching Council, students must successfully complete school placement to graduate with a recognised teaching qualification and become eligible for teacher registration.

Students undertake two placement cycles during their studies. Second-year undergraduate students and first-year Professional Master of Education (PME) student’s complete placement during the Spring Semester, while fourth-year undergraduate students and second-year PME students’ complete placement during the Autumn Semester.

How is School Placement organised?

School placements are coordinated by the CECD School Placement Team in partnership with the School of Education School Placement Team.

The CECD School Placement Team is responsible for placement coordination and administration, including arranging placement schools, allocating University tutors and communicating placement processes and deadlines. The School of Education School Placement Team oversees academic requirements, assessment and professional practice standards.

As placement planning and school allocation begin well in advance, students are required to register for school placement approximately one year before their placement commences. The CECD School Placement Team will issue registration instructions, timelines and relevant guidance to students when registration opens.

School Placement Process

Step 1: Register for School Placement briefing

The CECD School Placement Team contacts eligible students approximately one year before their placement commences, providing information on the registration process, timelines and key requirements.

Step 2: Attend Mandatory School Placement Registration Briefing

Students must attend the mandatory School Placement Registration Briefing. Details of how to attend are provided by the CECD School Placement Team.

Step 3: Complete School Placement registration on MyCareerPath

Students must register for School Placement on the MyCareerPath system. Attendance at the mandatory School Placement Registration Briefing is a prerequisite for registration.

Step 4: Upload CV

Students must upload a professional, high-quality and up-to-date CV to MyCareerPath by the specified deadline.

Step 5: Placement Arrangements take place - use this time to develop your interview skills

The CECD School Placement Team works with partner schools to secure placement opportunities for students. Some schools may request a CV and/or invite students for interview as part of their placement allocation process. Students should ensure they remain contactable throughout this period. Use this time to prepare for potential school interviews by developing your interview skills.

Step 6: Attend Pre-Placement Briefing

Prior to the release of placement allocations, the CECD School Placement Team delivers a Pre-Placement Briefing. This briefing outlines the next steps in the placement process, including how students can access their placement details, required communications with their assigned school and key preparation activities before placement begins.

Step 7: Receive Placement Confirmation

Placement details are released to students at the end of the semester preceding placement. Prior to commencing placement, students participate in two observation days, which are coordinated by the School of Education.

Step 8: Make contact with your assigned School Placement Tutor

University tutor allocations are released during the first week of the placement semester. Students are expected to make contact with their assigned tutor before placement begins.

Step 9: Placement Commences

Students begin their school placement. During this time any placement-related academic or professional practice issues should be directed to the School of Education.