Towards a Culture of Dialogue among Teachers: a qualitative research study

This qualitative study follows upon and offers further analysis into the quantitative results of previous research into the beliefs styles of teachers in the Catholic primary schools of the Archdiocese of Armagh (Ireland). With the use of focus group and interviews, the study supports the previous findings of teachers who are, by and large, engaged believers with strong faith and a positive attitude towards plural society. Faith was seen as important for those who prepare children for the sacraments but not necessary for other teachers. Quite strikingly, teachers almost exclusively identified Catholic ethos with the passing on of core values. Faith is considered a personal matter but support for ethos and the delivery of Religious Education is welcome. Critique of the 2022 instruction from the Dicastery of Culture and Education shows the importance of including teachers of every belief style in bringing about a culture of dialogue within Catholic schools.