Wexford Hosts ASTI Annual Convention with Key Topics on Education and Teacher Concerns

The annual convention of the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI) is taking place in Wexford, gathering around 500 second-level teachers from across the country. The conference, running until Thursday, will see discussions on crucial issues such as teacher pay, workload, and the impact of artificial intelligence on education.

A significant topic of debate will be the use of AI by students, particularly regarding the Leaving Cert’s new Additional Assessment Components (AACs), which will contribute at least 40% of final grades for the 2027 cohort. Teachers have expressed concerns about verifying student-authored work, especially with AI tools becoming more accessible. Delegates will also call for increased IT resources, including laptops for students, to help navigate the new system.

The ongoing challenges of teacher workload and rising living costs will also be at the forefront, with motions demanding pay increases to match inflation and escalating industrial action unless a 6% wage rise is secured. Teachers are also advocating for better resources and training to handle the evolving educational landscape.

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton will address delegates this evening, highlighting the importance of addressing these critical issues to improve the education system. The Wexford location serves as a timely setting for these important discussions, as teachers from across the nation converge to shape the future of education.