TEACHER'S PETA new term and new challenges for the real teacher's pet, Mary Hanafin.
The Minister's decision to publish school inspection reports is rattling some cages among the teacher unions. But it is a very clever political calculation. Hanafin knows that the entrenched opposition to transparency among some in the unions is not sustainable. And who better to instigate change than a former teacher who has been so vocal in her opposition to school league tables?
The unions may jump up and down, but they have no alternative but to accept the Hanafin prescription.
The idea - hatched by chief inspector Eamonn Stack - of allowing schools to respond to the the school inspection reports is inspired. This will open up real debate between parents and schools. It will also give parents a much better appreciation of the cost and other factors which might inhibit the potential of a school.
Hanafin has been doing very well in Marlborough Street. Her own background in Sion Hill has helped her build bridges with 45,000 teachers - no small political achievement in the run-in to an election.
Next challenges? Research funding for third-level, more money for primary education and the task of making a real difference on disadvantage.
So what does the Department of Education call its new initiative to cajole males into teaching? Would you believe "Mates" - the same name as a best-selling condom brand. Someone in Marlborough Street has a wicked sense of humour.
One summer departure worth marking is that of George O'Callaghan as general secretary of the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) which manages most second-level schools.
O'Callaghan, who returns home to the Banner County as chief exec of Co Clare VEC , is an outstanding figure. He was masterful during the Asti dispute, pointing out the practical difficulties facing school managers - without alienating the average teacher in the staffroom. He will be missed on the national stage.
Congrats to Cistercian College Roscrea on its centenary. The Tipperary college has marked the occasion with a highly impressive 500-page history, Céad Bliain Faoi Rath, which is available in bookshops.
Is there a less apt title for any publication than for the OECD tome Education at a Glance?
The 450-pager arrived on the desks last week without anything in the way of background briefing papers or a guide. It was, as one of the more literate education figures pointed out, like being asked to read Finnegans Wake without a glossary of terms.
The OECD is a classy organisation, but it can do much better than this - if it really wants to spread its message. For a start, it might have a separate briefing document for each country - and not just for the US, UK etc.
