The next generation of teachers: an investigation of second-level student teachers' backgrounds in the Republic of Ireland

This paper presents and discusses the demographic, educational and career backgrounds of second-level student teachers in the Republic of Ireland. Its findings confirm that student teachers from the lower social classes are underrepresented, and that there is little variety in terms of Postgraduate Diploma in Education students' second-level educational experiences. At the same time, the diversification of student teachers' experiences in terms of their personal and professional lives is illustrated. The student teacher profile presented in this study will inform discussions and planning of teacher education policy and pedagogy, especially as regards the recruitment and selection of student teachers from diverse backgrounds who are supported in their development as critical and reflective practitioners and who enact teaching that benefits all learners.