ABSTRACT
This chapter reports on the experiences and opinions of minority ethnic children in two Irish post-primary schools regarding teacher ethnic diversity. Qualitative data were generated through six focus group interviews with 33 students, who had spent at least 6 months in the Irish education system and were in their last 3 years of post-primary school. The key findings include that, while the students were concerned about the issue of teacher ethnicity, they had a stronger focus on the quality of teaching and learning and the need for culturally responsive teachers, regardless of ethnicity. This latter point was particularly significant because, while the students generally reported positive experiences of education in Ireland, many recounted experiences of racism in their daily schooling. The authors conclude that, although increased teacher ethnic diversity is important, it is not a panacea to address such experiences.
