ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a review of educational policies which have sought to support constructive community relations in the plural society of Northern Ireland, and outlines the vital role of teacher education. It discusses some of the strategies and initiatives that have been tried over the years and considers the contribution made by teacher training towards these efforts. The chapter begins by outlining briefly relevant aspects of the education system in Northern Ireland, and describes some of the general strategies through which educationalists have addressed issues related to the conflict. The Northern Ireland teacher training institutions are about to go through the major changes that have already been implemented in Britain, with an increase in the time spent by students on teaching experience, and a transfer of funds from providers to schools to cover the costs of the school-based elements, including mentoring.
