Frequently Asked Questiions

Table of Contents

What is ILSA?

The Irish Learning Support Association (I.L.S.A.) formally known as Association of Remedial Teachers of Ireland (A.R.T.I.) was founded in 1974. It is the fourth largest teacher organisation (after the three teacher unions) in the country. The Irish Learning Support Association is a self-help peer support group. We have always enjoyed cordial relations with the Department of Education & Science (DES) especially with the Special Needs Section so much so that that Department now refers new Learning Support and Resource teachers to I.L.S.A. for help and support. 

Back to Top

Is ILSA a trade union?

No. Teachers' unions' representatives are invited to all our major events.

Back to Top

How is ILSA membership made up?

Membership is open to all Learning Support, Resource and Language Support Teachers in the Republic of Ireland and associated schools abroad. Membership currently stands at over one thousand. Members are drawn from all levels of the education system including the support services, SESS, PCSP, JPCP and NCCA etc.

Back to Top

Who runs ILSA?

The Executive Committee runs the organisation. It is a voluntary body drawn from our membership; it is made up of six primary and six post primary teachers all  working in a full time capacity and may include those working in the support services, third level etc. The Executive Committee is elected at the AGM during the annual conference.

Back to Top

Is ILSA represented on any review bodies?

I.L.S.A. is currently represented on the N.E.P.S. Committee, the Review of Guidelines Committee and ScoilNet Software Review Pilot Project. I.L.S.A. also maintains links with sister associations in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland.

Back to Top

What are the aims of ILSA?

The main objective of the organisation is the continuous improvement of the service provided to children with learning difficulties, so that these children have access to the professional expertise of Learning Support, Language Support and Resource Teachers and other relevant services.

I.L.S.A also aims

Back to Top

Who funds ILSA ?

The Association’s funding comes from membership subscriptions. For the past two years ILSA received €30,000 from DES through the TPN (Teacher Professional Networks).

I.L.S.A organises a one-day spring seminar held annually in March to provide in-service for our members.  This takes the format of about 6 presentations and is attended by 150-200 members.

Our Conference is held annually in September. The event runs from Friday morning  to Saturday afternoon and provides major in-service for Learning Support, Language Support and Resource teachers from primary and  post primary.  Six hundred members attend a wide-ranging series of presentations and workshops given by experts in the field of education.

The Association has strong regional links with 28 active Regional Branches who report on their activities annually to the executive. I.L.S.A offers a forum for the membership where they can highlight issues and concerns facing the Learning Support, Language Support and Resource Teacher in the classroom. Many regions hold monthly meetings where they arrange visiting lecturers to cater for local regional needs.  I.L.S.A. also provides some financial support to the regional branches and has helped some set up resource libraries in conjunction with the Teacher Centres.

Back to Top

Does ILSA hold inservice events?

Yes. ILSA organises an Annual Conference, a Regional Spring Conference and local events through its Regional Groups throughout the country.

Back to Top

Does ILSA sponsor research into Learning Support?

Yes. The Executive Committee of ILSA launched their Research Grant in 2000. Members of ILSA are eligible to apply.

Back to Top

What publications do ILSA produce?

The annual LEARN journal is the flagship of ILSA's publications. It is distributed at the Annual Conference in September. Non-attenders receive their issue through the post. Current and back issues can be purchased from the Editor.

The ILSA Newsletter is published once a term and is mailed to all members. Prior to the launch of the website it was the main conduit for official ILSA announcements and members' comments, ideas, etc. Members are very welcome to submit articles for consideration to the editor Sr. Thomasina through the ILSA website.

Back to Top

How do I join ILSA?

You must complete and application form and send it with membership fee to:

ILSA Honorary Treasurer,
Drumcondra Education Centre,
Dublin 9.
Click here (pdf) or here (word) for membership application form
Back to Top

Do I have to attend meetings?

No. However, regional groups organise meetings on topics of particular interest to Learning Support, Language Support and Resource Teachers.

Back to Top

Do I receive Leave of Absence to attend the conference?

Yes. Permission is sought from the Department of Education and Science on an event-to-event basis. 

Approval from your Board of management must also be obtained. However, funds are not provided to employ a substitute in your absence. 

Furthermore, conference attendees are required to make adequate provision for the students in their care prior to their departure.

Back to Top

Do I get expenses when I attend ILSA events?

No. There is no provision from DES to cover travelling expenses, accommodation fees or meals. However, it is ILSA's opinion that BOMs should cover delegates expenses.

Back to Top