The association will also provide a team of experienced industrial relations negotiators to assist teachers facing difficulties at school.

[5] The main force behind the formation of the union was Patrick Kennedy,[citation needed] a teacher at St Colman's.

Founding members included such national figures as Easter Rising leader Thomas MacDonagh, whose godfather was Kennedy's father and who was a close friend, and the future Taoiseach and President of Ireland, Éamon de Valera.

Kieran Christie was General Secretary as of 1 January 2016[9] The president of the union is elected at the annual convention and takes office on 1 August of that year.

Unlike the General Secretary the President is always a teacher and takes a leave of absence from their teaching role for the duration of their term.