Abstract

The central role of teachers in ensuring the quality of education has been increasingly recognised internationally in recent decades. This paper reviews various shifts that have occurred in the initial teacher education agenda internationally during this time period. The paper reviews the radical reform that has occurred in the structure and provision of Irish teacher education since 2012. The paper considers the approach taken to reducing fragmentation within the Irish system and concludes with a discussion of the author’s concerns and recommendations for the future of initial teacher education, with particular reference to Ireland.