In this episode I talk to Robbie O’Connell, Principal of St. Brendan’s National School, Blennerville, Tralee, Co Kerry.He is Manager & founder of Kerry Apple Regional Training Centre, an Educational consultant with Zeeko, and has a Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice and Ethics (QQI Level 6 ) and a Diploma in Life and Leadership Coaching. He is also founder of The Positive Primary Principal Instagram page. He shares practical tips about what a Principal can do to bring positivity to any school. 

Ann's website:

⁠https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/⁠

I chat with Derek Lynch, Principal of New Cross College in Finglas, Dublin. Derek has been Principal there for 6 years and was Deputy Principal before that in the CBS Synge Street in Dublin city. Derek discusses the reality of life as a Principal and provides an insight into why so many Post Primary Principals are ‘burnt out’ due to stress. Derek concludes that the criteria around awarding schools an extra deputy should be reviewed. 

Ann's website:

⁠https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/⁠

Jenn Little is our guest today from Co. Kildare. Jenn spent most of her career as a subject teacher and then combined that with leading the AEN department. She has just retired from school life in Newbridge College and intends to continue working as a School Leader Coach and Restorative Practices trainer. She also has experience with the PDST and the National Induction Programme for teachers. Jenn is here to talk to us about the benefits of leading from the middle as well as showing us how you can move on from teaching using skills built up along the way.

Ann's website:

⁠https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/⁠

In this episode I talk to Brian Flood, Principal of Scoil Mhuire , Horeswood, Co Wexford, not far from New Ross. This primary school has 11 mainstream teachers and five special education teachers, along with a number of SNA’s and other support staff.  He will talk to us about that all important interview process for a leadership position be it for a post or a senior leadership position. 

Ann's website:

⁠https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/⁠

Paul Reidy is a Post Primary Principal in St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanish Point, Co. Clare.  He was a Deputy Principal for 7 years and has been Principal for the last 4. Here he discusses practically what teachers could be doing to show leadership before they even consider going for a leadership interview. 

Ann's website:

⁠https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/⁠

Stephen Earley has taken up the role of Principal of Moyglass National School, Fethard, Co. Tipperary since January 2022. As he navigates the first year in the job, he shares many useful tips and reflections he hopes will help others considering or about to embark on the role of school leader. He talks about a digital note taking system helping him with admin work, The Second Brain, IPPN who offer huge support to new primary principals mentions a free app todoist.

Ann's website:

⁠https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/⁠

WELCOME TO LEAD THE WAY PODCAST. IN THIS PREVIEW, I, ANN BYRNE,  INTRODUCE MYSELF AND THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE NEW SERIES. IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE INTERVIEWED, PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ON [email protected] I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU ON YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY.

For Interview coaching or Life coaching and Mentoring ( I am an ICF/ ACC accredited coach)

https://leadthewaycoaching.my.canva.site/