INTO’s Máirín Máirín Ní Chéileachair speaks with the Educational Research Centre’s (ERC) Rachel Cunningham and Dr Aidan Clerkin.

We talk about how standardised tests are created, setting accurate norms and the vital partnership with schools that makes this possible and why they must be regularly revised to stay aligned with curriculum changes.

• Rachel Cunningham is a research fellow leading test development in literacy, numeracy and spelling at ERC.
• Dr Aidan Clerkin is also a research fellow, who oversees Ireland’s participation in TIMSS and is co editor of the Irish Journal of Education, with international research experience across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

INTO’s Maeve McCafferty discusses the barriers faced entering and staying in primary teaching in Ireland and the importance of diverse representation in the classroom.

Kathleen Murphy is a primary school teacher and a proud member of the Irish Traveller community. Kathleen is committed to inclusion, representation and human rights.

Seyi Agbede is also a primary school teacher beginning his teaching journey in Nigeria. Seyi relocated to Ireland in 2021 and has since continued to shape the education sector through both teaching and advocacy.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

INTO’s David Geary talks to Jane McGarrigle (Webwise National Coordinator) and Ciara McGuane (Founder, Rahoo) about online safety, media literacy, CPD, supports and campaigns to protect children from online risks.

Tune in to hear: 

📱 Online dangers 

📱 Practical tips and support for teachers and parents in understanding online risks

📱 The need for tougher regulation

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Teacher Talk with the INTO, we mark two decades of the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group, a community built on resilience, representation, and change.

Join us as we discuss: 

• The origins of the LGBT+ Teachers’ Group
• Key Irish legislation in policy and advocacy
• Ongoing challenges for LGBT+ teachers
• How to be an ally to LGBT+ teachers

Hear firsthand from two members about the group's impact on the LGBT+ community in education.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Series of Teacher Talk with the INTO! Join us as we chat with Caroline Brougham from Glasnevin Educate Together and Máirín Ní Chéileachair, INTO Assistant General Secretary of Education, celebrating the power of special education.

Key highlights:

• Caroline shares her journey into special education and the challenges in fostering an inclusive classroom.
• Máirín discusses staffing improvements and the rise of special classes.
• Practical advice for how you promote the ethos of inclusion among teachers, pupils, parents and the wider school community
• And how schools have evolved in terms of inclusion over the years.

A timely discussion shedding light on the provision of special education.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the ins and outs of INTO Congress with guests Deirdre O’Connor, INTO Assistant General Secretary and INTO Intern, David Donagh! Whether you're a seasoned attendee or preparing for your first Congress, this episode has everything you need to know.

What you’ll learn:

•What is Congress? Why it’s a cornerstone of union decisions and the policies shaped there.

•From idea to policy: Discover how motions are proposed, debated and voted on; and how they influence union policy.

•Tips for first-timers: From understanding the process to standing at the podium with confidence, we've got you covered.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Series 3 Episode 1 of Series of Teacher Talk with the INTO: ‘Getting to Grips with Your Career Break or Job Share’

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashling Lynch, an Official at the INTO and Norah Daly, a teacher from Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore, Co Offaly, who took a career break to travel. Norah shares her personal journey of stepping away from the classroom on a career break and her transition back to teaching while Ashling explains how the different schemes work.

What we’ll explore:

· What exactly is a career break, and how can teachers apply?

· Key dates and deadlines to keep in mind when considering a career break or job sharing.

· Norah’s experience: From deciding to take a break to adjusting back into the teaching world.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Gene Mehigan, Vice President for Education and Strategic Development at Marino Institute of Education, Lisa Plunkett (Our Lady Immaculate SNS, Darndale), a former personal trainer who transitioned into primary teaching, and Brian MacCormaic (St. Maelruan's SNS, Tallaght), who made the switch from a 20-year career in construction to become a primary teacher. 

We explore the challenges and steps involved in becoming a teacher, from the financial burden to the workload and the journey to gaining those all-important qualifications. We’ll also explore the growing trend of professionals from other sectors moving into teaching and discuss what might be driving this shift.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.