Karla Coghlan is a primary educator and educational leader with over 20 years’ experience across Ireland, England and Australia. She qualified with a B.Ed. from Trinity College Dublin now has over a decade of experience in Irish primary education, teaching across the full age range, and has more recently returned to classroom teaching in Dublin. While in England, Karla held senior leadership and university-based roles, including Assistant Head at Thomas’s London Day Schools and Head of Academic Studies for Primary at Coventry University. She has been graded as an Outstanding teacher by Ofsted and completed an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
Here she explains how the NITE iPGCE with iQTS enables aspiring teachers to qualify while working in schools.
When traditional teacher training isn’t an option
For many aspiring teachers, the journey into the classroom is shaped as much by circumstance as by calling. Career changes, geographical constraints, family commitments, or simply the need for a more flexible route can make traditional, campus-based teacher training feel out of reach. This is where the iPGCE with iQTS from Coventry University’s National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) presents a genuinely compelling opportunity. This is an online training programme, while trainees spend all their time in schools gaining practical experience.
International recognition with local relevance
One of the most significant strengths of the NITE iPGCE iQTS pathway is its international recognition, which has recently been inspected, and awarded the highest possible grading by ISI. The inclusion of iQTS (International Qualified Teacher Status) ensures that graduates are trained to rigorous professional standards aligned with England’s QTS (you actually get both iQTS and QTS qualifications), while remaining globally portable. For those intending to teach in the Republic of Ireland, this is particularly valuable, as Irish schools increasingly recognise internationally trained teachers who can demonstrate high-quality preparation, reflective practice, and classroom competence
An online programme grounded in real classroom practice
What makes this route feel authentic is its integration with real classroom practice. Rather than being purely theoretical, the programme allows trainees to work in schools while studying online, meaning learning is immediately relevant and applied. This mirrors the realities of teaching in Ireland, where adaptability, inclusive practice, and strong classroom relationships are essential. Trainees are not just learning about teaching — they are becoming teachers in real time.
A natural progression route for special needs assistants
One group for whom this pathway is especially well suited is Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) who aspire to progress into teaching. SNAs already bring invaluable classroom experience, a deep understanding of pupil needs, and a strong commitment to inclusive education. The NITE iPGCE iQTS allows them to build on this foundation while remaining in their current school settings, transforming day-to-day practice into meaningful professional development. Rather than stepping away from education to retrain, SNAs can evolve their role while gaining a recognised teaching qualification.
Training without relocating; staying in Ireland
The programme is also ideal for those who may have previously considered relocating to the UK to train as a teacher but would prefer to remain in Ireland. Moving abroad for initial teacher education can be disruptive and costly, particularly for those with family or work commitments. The NITE iPGCE iQTS removes this barrier by offering a high-quality, internationally recognised qualification that can be completed while living and working in Ireland.
Mentorship, research, and professional identity
Perhaps most importantly, the programme fosters a strong sense of professional identity. Trainees engage with contemporary educational research and reflective practice and are supported not only by an in-school mentor but also a university mentor in doing this. The result is not a ‘shortcut’ into teaching, but a robust, respected qualification that equips teachers with confidence and credibility.
A respected and realistic route into the profession
For those who are serious about teaching in the Republic of Ireland and are seeking a route that is practical, respected, and internationally minded, the NITE iPGCE with iQTS offers more than a qualification — it offers a realistic, empowering pathway into the profession.
If you would like to find out more about training to teach with NITE in Ireland please contact us.
Karla Coghlan
Primary School Teacher and Teacher Educator, Ireland
