Teachers Themselves

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Welcome to another Season of Teachers Themselves! Season 3 opens with a wonderfully open conversation between our host Ultan Mac Mathúna and Dr. Séamus Conboy, the Director of Schools at Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). 

Séamus takes us through his journey to becoming a passionate educator and advocate for multidenominational schools in Ireland, from his upbringing in Knock, County Mayo, where he honed his interpersonal skills, to his progression into leadership and innovation. 

Séamus shares the pivotal moments that led him to a prominent leadership role in education. He considers the critical balance between passion and practicality, and how mentorship played a vital role in his career development. The discussion highlights the importance of trust and vulnerability among colleagues, as well as the unexpected opportunities that arose from temporary leadership roles, which ignited Séamus's passion for school leadership and policy influence.
 
Explore the challenges and successes of transforming Irish education through the establishment of Community National Schools. Séamus discusses the shift from religious-based education to a more inclusive, multi-denominational ethos, and the strategic process involved in shaping a unified educational policy. He also introduces the "Goodness Me, Goodness You" program, emphasising values like care and inclusion, and reflects on the cultural richness these schools bring by celebrating diverse religious and cultural identities. 

This episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of Irish education and the efforts to create inclusive environments for students and communities 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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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
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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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Áine Hyland is a name synonymous with educational reform in Ireland and we are honoured to have had her as a guest on the Teachers Themselves podcast. 

Wrapping up Season 2, the conversation between Áine and our host, Ultan Mac Mathúna, was so captivating that we have made it available in two parts. This episode is Part 2 of their conversation so before you listen, go back and enjoy Part 1. 

Join us as Áine recounts her vibrant tapestry of experiences, weaving through the milestones of a storied career that has shaped Irish education. Áine's journey from the grassroots of teaching to her remarkable tenure as an Emeritus Professor of Education and former Vice President of UCC is a narrative steeped in personal and professional triumphs. Her voice carries the legacy of Ireland's educational evolution, a tale of resilience and pioneering spirit against the backdrop of a nation's cultural and societal metamorphosis.

We highly recommend listening to both parts of this conversational episode. Highlighting Áine's impact on the landscape of Irish education, the indelible marks she left serve as a testament to her commitment to shaping the future of learning in Ireland. As we honour Áine Hyland's legacy, we are reminded that her story is not merely a reflection of the past but a beacon guiding us toward the future of education in Ireland.

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

Áine Hyland is a name synonymous with educational reform in Ireland and we are honoured to have had her as a guest on the Teachers Themselves podcast. 

Wrapping up Season 2, the conversation between Áine and our host, Ultan Mac Mathúna, was so captivating that we have made it available in two parts. 

Join us as Áine recounts her vibrant tapestry of experiences, weaving through the milestones of a storied career that has shaped Irish education. Áine's journey from the grassroots of teaching to her remarkable tenure as an Emeritus Professor of Education and former Vice President of UCC is a narrative steeped in personal and professional triumphs. Her voice carries the legacy of Ireland's educational evolution, a tale of resilience and pioneering spirit against the backdrop of a nation's cultural and societal metamorphosis.

We highly recommend listening to both parts of this conversational episode. Highlighting Áine's impact on the landscape of Irish education, the indelible marks she left serve as a testament to her commitment to shaping the future of learning in Ireland. As we honour Áine Hyland's legacy, we are reminded that her story is not merely a reflection of the past but a beacon guiding us toward the future of education in Ireland.

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

Dermot Looney's story is not just one of teaching but of someone who is deeply connected to local history and community. Our conversation with Dermot delves into his career as a dedicated primary school teacher in Tallaght, his teaching philosophy and the indelible impact of his environment on personal growth. 

This episode is an example of the outstanding educators that we have in Ireland. Dedicated people such as Dermot, whose interests extend far beyond the classroom walls and encompass deep connections to locality and community and which in turn, are passed on to students, striking at the heart of what it means to nurture and empower the next generation.

Demonstrating a profound satisfaction derived from serving the community in any capacity, Dermot recounts his foray into politics with a fulfilling tenure as a local Councillor and Mayor, and his current role as HSCL Coordinator. 

As Dermot and Ultan reflect on the essence of education - fostering relationships and aligning school ethos with the community's aspirations - this episode is a testament to the fact that educators like Dermot are not only shaping minds but also the very soul of the community they serve. 

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

This episode of Teachers Themselves, features Teaching Principal, Cormac O’Farrell. Cormac has a dedication to teaching and education, only matched by his dedication to the Arts and extra-curricular activities. 

This conversation isn't just about traditional teaching; it's an exploration into school leadership and the alchemy of the arts in shaping an educator's prowess. As he recounts the seamless blend of his passions - from drama to sports - you're invited into a world where the extracurricular is just as crucial as the curriculum, forging deeper connections with students and stitching a rich tapestry of school life that extends far beyond the classroom. 

As the episode unfolds, we delve into the essence of primary education's evolving landscape, where Cormac and Ultan ponder the foundational skills that mark a child's educational journey. 

So join us, as we celebrate an educator who not only imparts knowledge but also imprints lasting memories, reminding us that the heart of teaching truly lies in the joy of learning and the relationships nurtured along the way.

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

This episode recounts the extraordinary journey of Áine Lynch. She opens up about her passionate pursuit of strengthening partnerships between schools and parents, drawing from her own experience as an early school leaver who later became the CEO of the National Parents' Council. Áine's story is a testament to the non-linear paths that can lead to profound influence and change.

Throughout our conversation, we uncover the layers of complexity within the parent-teacher dynamic, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in fostering children's well-being and academic success. Áine provides valuable insight into the challenges educators face in forging these essential connections, and the transformative potential of active listening—a skill we often take for granted. She shares strategies to fortify these relationships and the supportive role of the National Parents Council in not only helping parents but also in empowering teachers to navigate the nuances of family engagement.

Áine's personal anecdotes and professional expertise culminate in a powerful discussion about the definition of success and the courage it takes to challenge conventional educational paradigms. We explore the importance of inclusion and the need for an education system that caters to diverse learning styles, underscoring the value of kinetic learning opportunities. With Áine's inspiring accounts and the broader implications for educational reform, this episode is an invigorating call to action, reminding us of the resilience necessary to steer through academic differences and make a lasting impact on the lives of children.

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

Meet Máirín Ní Chéileachair, a passionate educator, influenced by family legacy and a community rich in scholastic virtues. In this inspiring conversation, she grants us an intimate look into the stepping stones that propelled her from a classroom teacher to an advocate within the INTO and NIPT, all while holding fast to her intrinsic zeal for education that flourished beyond the traditional learning environment.

Navigating the labyrinth of education policy can be as challenging as it is crucial, and Máirín guides us through this terrain with the wisdom only a seasoned Principal and policy influencer could possess. 

Throughout this podcast episode, the dialogue turns to the silent reverberations of policy decisions within the walls of our schools, impacting those at the heart of education—our teachers and students. Máirín candidly discusses the balancing act between being an educator and an administrator, the essence of maintaining passion amidst increasing deskwork, and the stark realities of intertwining political aims with the true goals of education.

Finally, we venture into the realm of the Irish language, where Máirín's love for Gaeilge blossomed into a commitment to its preservation and elevation in the educational system. 

Looking ahead, we celebrate the epochs of progress in teacher support and CPD, and the promise they hold for the emerging generation of Irish educators. 

Join us for an exploration of the stalwarts and the strides taken in a field that continues to evolve, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of dedicated educators like Máirín Ní Chéileachair. 

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

Introducing Finbarr Hurley, a visionary in the realm of primary education. Join us as he shares his story of growth from the fields of West Cork to the bustling classrooms of Qatar. Every educator has a tale, but not every tale weaves through the multicultural tapestry of European schools and leads to the construction of a diverse educational community. Finbarr's narrative is one of passion and perseverance.

Finbarr Hurley's career is a testament to the adaptability and innovation required in the modern educational landscape. As he recounts the growth of a small European school into a bustling hub for 1400 students, you'll gain insights into the harmonisation of pedagogical approaches, the significance of cultural diversity in the classroom, and the unexpected twists and opportunities in the career of a dedicated educator.
 
Throughout this episode, Finbarr’s dedication to the realm of education is apparent. His philosophy is one based on relationships, community, and authenticity. He discusses the empowerment of teachers through self-belief and the crucial role of traditional education pillars in an age where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing. Finbarr's inspiring account is not just a dialogue on educational leadership — it's a celebration of the joy found in shaping the minds of future leaders and the simple pleasures that enrich life beyond the school gates. Finbarr is very definitely making a significant contribution to the education system underpinned by his empowering message to always believe in yourself. 

Join us for a conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire, no matter where you stand on the educational spectrum.

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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LinkedIn

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

Are you ready to transform your teaching skills and stay ahead in the ever-evolving education landscape? This bite-size bonus episode is an extract from Episode 006 'The Transformative Power of Teaching: John Williams on Professional Growth'.

Listen in to expert John Williams on the importance of continuous professional development (CPD) for educators. John's top three recommendations for growth in this field focus on prioritising well-being, honing leadership qualities, and embracing technological advancements.

Take in these top-tips to elevate your teaching game and better serve your students and colleagues!

John’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are for Wellbeing, Leadership and Technology/AI. Luckily for you, we have you covered! You can book CPD this Autumn with dwec.ie 

1. Wellbeing  
2. Leadership 
3. Technology/AI 

John is a vastly experienced facilitator of CPD and we are delighted that he will be facilitating CPD for DWESC again this Autumn.  Book your place here: Applying for In School Management Positions in Primary Schools 

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.

Send a text

What if the key to unlocking a student's potential lies in the hands of their teacher? A teacher whose goal was always just "to make a difference". 

Join our host, Ultan Mac Mathúna, as he chats with John Williams, an experienced educator, former principal, and chairperson of the Dublin West Education Support Centre management committee. We discuss the vital role teachers’ play in the classroom and John's own professional growth. 

Embark on a journey with John as we explore his unique career path, starting as a teacher at Divine Word National School in Marley Grange, Rathfarnham. Listen as John recounts his adventure-filled career break in Kuwait and dive into his time in London, where he completed his Masters in Education and delved into the different teaching styles of England and Ireland. 

Our conversation explores the vast experience that John accumulated during his established career as an educator in Ireland and abroad, and particularly the changes he has seen over the span of his career, from his days battling with a Gestetner machine to the modern use of the interactive whiteboard. 

Don't miss our insightful conversation about the Department of Education's Walk Tall programme and John's dedication to continuous professional development in teaching.

In this episode, John provides his top 3 CPD tips for educators planning for the academic year ahead. You can listen to his recommendations in a bite-size, separate short bonus episode - because we know how busy you are! 

John’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are for Wellbeing, Leadership and Technology/AI. Luckily for you, we have you covered! You can book CPD this Autumn with dwec.ie 

1. Wellbeing  
2. Leadership 
3. Technology/AI 

John is a vastly experienced facilitator of CPD and we are delighted that he will be facilitating CPD for DWESC again this Autumn.  Book your place here: Applying for In School Management Positions in Primary Schools 

Access Walk Tall resources here: https://www.pdst.ie/walktall 

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

You can follow us across our social media channels –

Instagram

Twitter

LinkedIn

Facebook

If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected]
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

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.