Summary:
The Career Break Scheme is a period of unpaid special leave for teachers and SNAs, lasting no less than 1 school year. It can be extended annually, provided the total period of the Career Break is not longer than 5 years at any time, and is a maximum of 10 years during a teacher/SNA’s career. The scheme aims to facilitate personal and professional development in areas such as voluntary service overseas, educational purposes, public representation, family reasons, personal development, and self-employment.
Eligibility:
Registered Teachers and Special Needs Assistants employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools in Ireland.
Funding Amount:
Not applicable as it is an unpaid leave.
How to Apply:
Teachers must complete the Application Form on page 107 of Circular 0054/2019 and submit it to their employer by 1 February of each school year prior to the school year in which they want to begin or extend a career break. SNAs must submit a letter of application to their employer by 1 March of each school year prior to the school year in which they want to begin or extend the career break.
Deadline:
For teachers, it’s 1 February of each school year prior to the school year in which they want to begin or extend a career break. For SNAs, it’s 1 March of each school year prior to the school year in which they want to begin or extend the career break.
