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Join us for our final episode of season four in conversation with school Principal and co-founder of the WILL (Women In Learning & Leadership) Network, Kathryn Corbett.

With refreshing candour and a wisdom borne of experience, Kathryn reveals how her early love for learning blossomed into a purposeful career path that's transforming educational leadership across Ireland. Her professional story is one that encompasses international experience where she discovered formal mentoring programs that sparked her interest in teacher induction and support. Experience which she brought home to Ireland and implemented into the Irish education system. 

From her own experiences of leadership in education, Kathryn has become an advocate for female leadership and a builder of education community in Ireland. In conversation with our host, Ultan, Kathryn discusses founding the WILL (Women In Learning & Leadership) Network alongside Rachel O'Connor. Created to address the stark imbalance between the predominantly female teaching workforce and leadership positions, this network creates opportunities for women across the education sector to find connection, mentorship, and pathways to leadership that might otherwise seem unattainable.

Tune in to hear Kathryn's insights on sustainable leadership and work-life boundaries. Her thoughtful reflection on systemic challenges facing school leaders will resonate deeply with anyone working in education today.

Kathryn leaves us with a powerful reminder: "The biggest risk is the one that you don't take." Listen now to be inspired by her story and practical wisdom on leadership, boundaries, and creating meaningful change in education.
Connect with the WILL Network on Instagram @networkwill  

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In conversation with Ultan this week, David Gough, one of Ireland's most respected GAA referees and school Principal of Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál in Inchicore, brings us into the fascinating intersection of his professional worlds.

From the historical landscape of Slane, County Meath that shaped his early years, to the values that guide his leadership today, David shares how his upbringing created foundations of respect and equality that underpin both his officiating and educational work. His story reveals powerful parallels between managing high stakes sporting events and nurturing a vibrant school community.

"Leadership is an action, not a position," David explains, detailing how he creates cultures of respect in both arenas. His approach to leadership, with a focus on interconnection rather than hierarchy, creates school corridors "full of life, sound, singing, and laughing" hallmarks of the uniquely positive atmosphere that visitors from other countries often find so striking about Irish education.

David's candid discussion about balancing professional demands, his passion for sport, and the continuous learning curve of principalship offers wisdom for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities. 

Listen now to this conversation that reveals how respect, fairness and love, create environments where both children and communities flourish.

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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Join us for episode three of Season 4 in conversation with Ciarán Donnelly, a primary teacher who thinks outside the box.

Ciarán is a forward-thinking and imaginative educator who embraces innovation and fosters a dynamic learning environment. And it was these particular traits that saw Ciarán lead his students at Green Lanes National School, to enter, compete and become, Ireland's first international NFL flag football champions and win an all-expenses-paid trip to Orlando, Florida.

Tune in to hear this remarkable story of one teacher’s transformative approach to education and the life-changing experiences created for his students. As the NFL Flag Football programme expands across Ireland with plans for provincial championships throughout the country, his story reminds us of the powerful impact teachers can have when they recognise and nurture students' passions.

Subscribe to Teachers Themselves for more inspiring stories of educators making a difference in Irish classrooms.

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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What happens when the teacher faces the same learning challenges as their students? Annette Nash takes us on a profound journey through her experiences as an autistic English teacher with dyslexia at St. Declan's College in Dublin.

Annette's own early education story reflects the systemic barriers many neurodivergent students may still encounter today. The power of diagnosis resonates throughout our conversation. Annette articulates how naming her differences didn't change who she was but provided crucial self-understanding: "That awareness of difference is carried with you, no matter what you know about yourself." Now in the classroom, Annette creates the environment she never had. By openly acknowledging her dyslexia with students, she transforms potential vulnerabilities into teaching strengths. When she makes spelling errors or needs to double-check grammar rules, she models resilience rather than shame - creating what she calls "a great freedom" for all students, not just those with learning differences. 
Her insights about creating neurodivergent-friendly school environments offer practical wisdom for educational settings everywhere.

Connect with Annette on Instagram @the_autistic_english_teacher and discover more episodes of Teachers Themselves by subscribing or visiting the Dublin West Education Centre website or social media channels. 

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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When we think of Ciarán Kilkenny, most people picture the Dublin GAA star on the football pitch. But away from the roar of the crowd at Croke Park, Kilkenny's true passion unfolds in a classroom at St. Benedict's primary school in Ongar, where he's shaping young minds with the same dedication he brings to elite sport.

This conversation reveals the deeply thoughtful educator behind the sporting headlines. Kilkenny shares how his own primary school teachers became powerful role models who sparked his love for the Irish language, history and learning. 

At the heart of Kilkenny's teaching philosophy is the concept of classroom as community. "It's a family," he explains, creating an environment where children learn to support each other, resolve conflicts, and develop as both learners and people. 

What's particularly fascinating is how Kilkenny's sporting background enriches his teaching. The self-discipline, reflection, and growth mindset cultivated through elite sport transfer powerfully to education. "You're constantly reflecting on how you can improve," he notes – an approach he models for his pupils. His commitment to identifying and nurturing each child's unique talents stems from his appreciation for how his own teachers supported his sporting development. His balanced perspective as both a celebrated athlete and committed teacher provides a unique window into how different professional worlds can inform and enhance each other.

Join us for this revealing conversation that will change how you think about the relationship between sport, teaching, and creating nurturing environments where young people can discover their full potential. 

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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Meet Richie Walsh, an inspiring educator whose story underscores the significance of community ethos in educational success.

Richie's career in education showcases a trajectory of leadership and dedication, beginning with early teaching experiences and evolving into a principal role. Richie highlights the importance of community ties and leadership in fostering a thriving educational environment. His narrative also touches on the evolving impact of educational leadership over time.

In this episode, the transformative power of Restorative Practice in schools becomes a focal point. Richie embraces this holistic approach, emphasising relationship-building and emotional intelligence. In discussion with our host, Ultan, he explores how empathy can be cultivated as a skill, enhancing restorative practices in education. His insights into creating a nurturing environment where love and empathy thrive resonate throughout the conversation, demonstrating how these foundational values can transform conflict resolution and foster a supportive atmosphere for educators and students alike.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, leave us a review and share it with colleagues and friends! Your feedback informs the show.

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Gerard McHugh, the former Director of Dublin West Education Support Centre. A man who dedicated his career to transforming the landscape of education in Ireland. 

Tune in as Gerard shares valuable insights from the evolution of his leadership, navigating the complexities of educational reform and pioneering European partnerships. Gerard's tenure at the Dublin West Education Support Centre stands out as a period of significant change and growth, where he played an instrumental role in the expansion of professional development opportunities for educators, not only in DWESC but throughout Ireland and beyond. 

As this episode unfolds, Gerard offers a global perspective on education, drawing lessons from international systems like those in Nordic countries. He emphasises the critical role of trust between educators and governing bodies and reflects on the challenges posed by political influences and neoliberal policies. Through stories of adaptation and innovation, Gerard provides a thoughtful analysis of maintaining educational standards while embracing change, all the while enjoying the view from a new vantage point as a grandparent engaging with the education system's next generation.

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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This week our host Ultan chats with Lyn Stone, 'the Taylor Swift of Literacy'. Join us as literacy expert Lyn unlocks the secrets to effective language education.

Learn how Lyn's passion for linguistics and special education sparked innovative methods in spelling and grammar, turning her workshops into must-attend events for educators. Discover what makes her approach to language education stand out as she shares insights on overcoming common misconceptions and the value of understanding linguistic units beyond rote memorisation.

Consider some new strategies for nurturing a love for reading in young students. With Lyn, we discuss the complexities of word recognition and memory while exploring a treasure trove of book recommendations.

Join us for this enlightening conversation, promising a fresh perspective on language education that will leave you eager to implement these transformative ideas.

DWESC are proud to be working with Lyn to deliver innovative CPD/TPL in the areas of Spelling and Morphology. Keep an eye out for future CPD events: DWESC CPD Programme   

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jacinta Kitt, a distinguished educator who dedicated her career to fostering positive behaviours and relationships in schools.

In her conversation with our host, Ultan, Jacinta explores the power of positive relationships and their monumental impact on educational success. She emphasises the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence and creating an environment in schools where both students and staff can thrive. This episode offers a roadmap for educators and leaders, looking to encourage optimism in their classrooms by embracing open communication and dialectical thinking.

Finally, we consider the concept of teaching as a profession of hope. Jacinta passionately articulates the importance of cultivating psychological resources such as hope, optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience within educational settings. Learn how breaking down daunting goals into manageable tasks can lead to significant achievements and how self-awareness enhances communication skills. Through anecdotes and expert insights, this episode equips educators with the tools to promote assertive communication, resolve conflicts effectively, and foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding. 

Tune in for an enriching discussion that promises to reshape your perspective on education and leadership, and perhaps even personal growth. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, leave us a review and share it with colleagues and friends! Your feedback informs the show.

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Oh – and don’t forget to book that CPD – dwec.ie

Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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Join us for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Helena Trench, the inspiring Principal of Powerstown Educate Together National School in Dublin 15. Helena's journey to school leadership has been fuelled by a passion for inclusive education and a love for working with children. In this episode, Helena shares stories of building a vibrant school community from the ground up, celebrating the unique blend of traditions and opportunities at newer schools like Powerstown ETNS.
 
 Listen as she discusses the evolving nature of the teaching profession and offers a candid reflection on the challenges educators face, particularly in supporting students with autism and disabilities, and how she advocates for better national strategies to support these needs.
 
 Throughout our conversation, Helena's commitment to creating a strengths-based school environment is unmistakable. She champions the importance of recognising and nurturing each child's capabilities, fostering a neuro-affirmative space where all can thrive. Helena's insights remind us of the impact of educators who adopt a nurturing and trauma-informed mindset, demonstrating the profound effect of building strong, supportive relationships within a school community. 

Join us for this heartfelt episode as we dive into the realities, joys, and aspirations of school leadership and the unwavering dedication of fearless educators like Helena Trench.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, leave us a review and share it with colleagues and friends! Your feedback informs the show.

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Oh – and don’t forget to book that CPD – dwec.ie

Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.