‘A lonely place’: The experiences of minority ethnic teachers in Irish primary education

Diversifying the teaching profession has been recognised as a priority in Ireland and internationally. Despite an increasingly diverse primary school population, the Irish primary teaching profession is largely homogenous in nature. This research, informed by Critical Race Theory, explored the experiences of teachers from minority ethnic backgrounds in primary education. It examines how the institutional habitus of Irish primary schools can contribute to racial trauma and marginalisation for minority teachers. Findings reveal the value of teacher diversity in promoting culturally responsive practices and challenging racial injustice in their schools and broader society. Their advocacy takes place within school contexts that can devalue their knowledges and perspectives. This research offers a unique perspective into questions of discrimination within the Irish primary teaching profession, and points to further systemic and institutional barriers and practices that can contribute to the alienation of minority teachers and concludes with implications for current practices and policy.