Teachers Themselves

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Are you ready to level up your skills as a Special Needs Assistant? Look no further as we bring you an excerpt from the enlightening conversation with Magdalena Landziak, a seasoned educator deeply passionate about additional needs education.

In this bite-size, bonus episode, Magdalena provides her top 3 CPD tips for SNAs planning for the academic year ahead and shares her invaluable three-pronged approach towards continuous professional development for SNAs. She emphasizes the importance of mastering cutting-edge assistive technology, enhancing understanding around Autism for those working in additional classes, and finally, establishing a strong foundation in personal well-being.

You can book CPD this Autumn with dwec.ie and Magdalena:
Challenging Behaviour. Strategies for SNAS
The role of an SNA while supporting students’ well-being
Mood Matters. Wellbeing webinar for SNAs
Dismantling Culinary Culture with Neurodiversity. The role of SEN teachers and SNAs while supporting students acquiring life skills

Tune in for more insights, and don't forget to join us again next week for another empowering episode of Teachers Themselves.

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.

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Do you want to be the change that you want to see in the world? Meet Magdalena Landziak, a special needs assistant (SNA) who's doing just that. 

Join our host, Ultan Mac Mathúna, as he chats with Magdalena, an experienced SNA in a Primary school in Co. Limerick. From her beginnings as a teacher in Poland to creating a national magazine for SNAs (AMYGDALA) in Ireland, Magdalena's story is a narrative of determination, innovation, and deep understanding of the distinct challenges that special needs assistants face. She has taken this understanding and created a platform that empowers SNAs with the necessary tools to serve those who depend on them. 

As we unravel her journey, you won't want to miss her insights on the crucial role of SNAs in our society. Magdalena's vision for the future of the profession is as inspiring as it is necessary, as she emphasises the importance of being technologically savvy and the need for additional CPD around autism. 

In this episode, Magdalena provides her top 3 CPD tips for SNAs planning for the academic year ahead. You can listen to her recommendations in a bite-size, separate short bonus episode. 

Magdalena’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are for Assistive Technology, Autism and Wellbeing. Luckily for you, we have you covered! You can book CPD this Autumn with dwec.ie and Magdalena:
Challenging Behaviour. Strategies for SNAS
The role of an SNA while supporting students’ well-being
Mood Matters. Wellbeing webinar for SNAs
Dismantling Culinary Culture with Neurodiversity. The role of SEN teachers and SNAs while supporting students acquiring life skills

You can follow Magdalena on Instagram via @sna_zone 

And you can find more information on her magazine for SNAs, AMYGDALA, here: www.snazone.ie 

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

Mary passionately shares her wisdom on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which is a treasure trove for every educator striving for growth. Tune in to this bite-size bonus episode for her insights and recommendations. 

Mary’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead are; 

1. to attend her CPD with DWEC, 
2. to consider the CPD available through the NCSE 
3. and for CPD for your own Wellbeing. 

You can book her CPD recommendations here:

Mary McKenna’s CPD with DWEC = An Introduction to Teaching Autistic Children 
(Face-to-Face course starting on September 27th)

NCSE = https://ncse.ie/tpl 

Wellbeing = Restorative Practices Skills for Promoting Wellbeing in Classrooms and Schools
The Resilient Teacher: Approaches from Positive Psychology
A Whole-School Approach to Well-Being and SSE
Mood Matters. Wellbeing webinar for SNAs 

Don't miss out! Listen to her conversation with host, Ultan Mac Mathúna, in the full episode. 

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

Are you interested in Autism Education and seeking guidance on how to approach the subject with sensitivity, respect, and accurate terminology? Allow us to introduce you to Mary McKenna, a seasoned primary teacher and CPD facilitator, who pioneered the first Autism early intervention class in Ireland. 

In this episode of ‘Teachers Themselves’, Mary provides a thoughtful examination of the labels often used to describe neurodivergent individuals and classrooms, challenging us to move beyond phrases like "disorder" and "unit". Mary's journey from primary school teacher to CPD facilitator is a fascinating one, instigated by an invitation to be part of a significant research study. 

Join us as we explore the importance of shared understanding in education and the power of peer support.

Whether you're about to start teaching in an autism support class or are a seasoned educator looking for fresh insights, this conversation has something for you. And as we wrap things up, Mary reminds us of an essential aspect often overlooked: the necessity of self-care for teachers. Join us and learn how to sustain your role without losing yourself in the process.

In this episode, Mary also provides her top 3 CPD tips for the academic year ahead. You can listen to her recommendations in a bite-size, separate bonus episode. 

Mary’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead are; to attend her CPD with DWEC, to consider the CPD available through the NCSE and for CPD for your own Wellbeing. You can book her CPD recommendations here:

Mary McKenna’s CPD with DWEC = An Introduction to Teaching Autistic Children 
(Face-to-Face course starting on September 27th)

NCSE = https://ncse.ie/tpl 

Wellbeing = Restorative Practices Skills for Promoting Wellbeing in Classrooms and Schools
The Resilient Teacher: Approaches from Positive Psychology
A Whole-School Approach to Well-Being and SSE
Mood Matters. Wellbeing webinar for SNAs 

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

In this bite-size bonus episode, Shannon provides her top 3 CPD tips for educators planning for the academic year ahead.

Shannon’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are for AI, Classroom Management and Teaching Methodologies. Luckily for you, we have you covered! You can book CPD this Autumn with dwec.ie 

We are delighted that Shannon will be facilitating CPD for DWEC again this Autumn. Book your place;
ChatGPT for Teachers - A Beginners Guide
ChatGPT for Maths Teachers - Resource Creation Edition
ChatGPT for Science Teachers - Science Week Edition
ChatGPT for Maths Teachers - Planning edition
ChatGPT for Teachers - Advanced 

Don't miss the full episode - Shannon's wealth of experience and wisdom is waiting to be explored. Listen in, share with fellow educators, and let's transform the future of education together.

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

Are you looking for ways to innovate your teaching? Join Ultan Mac Mathúna, as he sits down with the trailblazer in STEM education, Shannon Ahern, a teacher in St Declan's College in Cabra, Dublin, who is transforming the world of Maths and Science with her innovative teaching methods. Discover how Shannon uses an AI tool, ChatGPT, to create personalised learning experiences and pique student curiosity, making the subject not just educational but also enjoyable. 

Tune in to get motivated and informed!

In this episode, Shannon provides her top 3 CPD tips for educators planning for the academic year ahead. You can also listen to her recommendations in a bite-size bonus episode. Shannon’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are for AI, Classroom Management and Teaching Methodologies. Luckily for you, we have you covered! You can book CPD this Autumn with dwec.ie   

We are delighted that Shannon will be facilitating CPD for DWEC again this Autumn, some of which includes;
ChatGPT for Teachers - A Beginners Guide
ChatGPT for Maths Teachers - Resource Creation Edition
ChatGPT for Science Teachers - Science Week Edition 

You can follow Shannon on Instagram/Twitter via @craic_matamaitic @craicmatamaitic
And you can find more information on her website, here: www.craicmatamaitic.com
In this episode, Shannon references the Khan Academy and Khan Migo – you can find more information here: https://www.khanacademy.org/ and https://www.khanacademy.org/khan-labs
She also refers to a TED Talk and the 2 Sigma Problem which can be accessed here: www.ted.com 

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

Fiona's wise words in this bite-size bonus episode, offer invaluable guidance for educators eager to enhance their professional development and introduce wellness-focused approaches to their teaching methodologies.

Tune in for Fiona's top 3 CPD tips for the academic year ahead; Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, Trauma Informed Education and AI.

You can book some of her CPD recommendations here:
Organising ‘Well-Being Week’ in Primary School
The Resilient Teacher: Approaches from Positive Psychology
Developing Children’s Resilience: Approaches from Positive Psychology
Leading an Attachment Aware School
Unleash the Power of AI in Primary Education 

Stay hooked to the Teachers Themselves podcast as we continue to spotlight the dedicated individuals enriching the courses at Dublin West Education Centre. Remember to share your thoughts, subscribe, and leave us a review. See you in the next episode!

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

Get ready for a meaningful conversation with the extraordinary Fiona Forman, an acclaimed author and pioneering educator in the realm of well-being and positive psychology. Join us as Fiona recounts her own early career setbacks and hear how she transformed it into a valuable lesson in resilience, using it now as an example to empower children with the conviction that they are stronger than they can imagine. 

In this episode of ‘Teachers Themselves’, Fiona takes us on an enlightening exploration of her ground-breaking program that synthesizes positive psychology in education and parenting. Fiona also discusses the profound impact of the Covid pandemic on her work and for teachers worldwide. She delves into the essential role of resilience in these challenging times and the power of positive psychology to build it. 

Amid the turbulence of an ever-evolving world, Fiona unravels the impact of our fast-paced lives on schools and the pressing need for a more balanced, mindful approach to education. Offering a beacon of hope to teachers, Fiona advocates slowing down, practicing self-compassion, and rediscovering the joy of teaching. This episode is a goldmine of knowledge for educators and parents, a must-listen for anyone committed to improving teaching practices and education systems.

In this episode, Fiona provides her top 3 CPD tips for the academic year ahead. You can listen to her recommendations in a bite-size, separate short bonus episode. 

Fiona’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are for Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, Trauma Informed Education and AI. You can book some of her CPD recommendations here:
Organising ‘Well-Being Week’ in Primary School
The Resilient Teacher: Approaches from Positive Psychology
Developing Children’s Resilience: Approaches from Positive Psychology 
Leading an Attachment Aware School
Unleash the Power of AI in Primary Education 

You can follow Fiona on Instagram via @fionaformanwellbeing

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

As a CPD Facilitator, Patrick generously shares his top three tips for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the upcoming year and urges you to keep an eye on the future by promoting sustainability education.

In this bite-size bonus episode, Patrick provides his top 3 CPD tips for the academic year ahead. 

Patrick’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are to keep an eye on the ESCI website, to check out the Climate and Nature Days with Ardscoil na Mara and to attend the Climate and Nature Summit. You can book his CPD recommendations here:

1. ESCI 
2. CPD on Teaching Nature | Ardscoil na Mara 
3. Climate and Nature Summit 

Patrick himself will be facilitating CPD for DWEC again this Autumn.  Book your place here: CLIMATE & NATURE SUMMIT 23/24: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE BOOKLET (webinar taking place on September 19th).

What truly sets this episode apart is Patrick's inspiring call to action for all the educators out there: You have the knowledge, the expertise, and the much-needed ground reality. So why not get involved in delivering CPD at your local Education Support Centre? Your unique perspective could be the game-changer in our collective journey towards an enlightened future. Don't sit on the sidelines, engage with us on social media, and share your thoughts. Contact your local Education Support Centre to enquire about becoming a CPD facilitator!

For Dublin West Education Centre, you can email Zita at [email protected] 

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

Meet Patrick Kirwan, the Waterford secondary school teacher who founded the Irish Schools Sustainability Network and is sparking a nationwide conversation about ecological literacy and sustainability. 

In this episode with Patrick, we explore the intriguing connection between nature, education, and inequality, delving into his current advocacy for climate literacy in our schools.  We discuss the weighty topic of personal and collective responsibility towards the environment. Patrick shares valuable insights on how educators can empower young people to affect positive social change. Hear about his experiences transforming educational spaces and promoting sustainability in schools.

Patrick's journey is a testament to the power of marrying awareness with action - a lesson we can all take to heart. Join us for this inspiring conversation and let's redefine what it means to care for our planet, together.

In this episode, Patrick provides his top 3 CPD tips for the academic year ahead. You can listen to his recommendations in a bite-size bonus episode. 

Patrick’s CPD recommendations for the year ahead, are to keep an eye on the ESCI website, to check out the Climate and Nature Days with Ardscoil na Mara and to attend the Climate and Nature Summit. You can book some of his CPD recommendations here:

1. ESCI 
2. CPD on Teaching Nature | Ardscoil na Mara 
3. Climate and Nature Summit 

Patrick himself will be facilitating CPD for DWEC again this Autumn.  Book your place here: CLIMATE & NATURE SUMMIT 23/24: GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION RESOURCE BOOKLET (webinar taking place on September 19th).

You can follow Patrick on Instagram via @irishschsusty
In this episode, Patrick refers to the Climate Alarm Clock Podcast which you can access here: https://the-climate-alarm-clock.captivate.fm/

If you are interested in becoming a CPD facilitator for DWEC, please contact Zita at [email protected]

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.