Send us a text 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 ment...

Send us a text 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 education...

Send us a text 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, Flo...

Send us a text 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...

Send us a text 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 m...

Send us a textMeet 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 tim...

Send us a textJoin 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 ch...

Send us a textThis 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 unde...

Send us a textJoin 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 ...

Send us a textJoin 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 E...

Send us a textWelcome 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...

Send us a textÁine 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 th...

Send us a textÁine 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 gra...

Send us a textDermot 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 wall...

Send us a textThis 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 wh...

Send us a textThis 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, emp...

Send us a textMeet 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 ...

Send us a textIntroducing 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 innovatio...

Send us a textAre 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 emb...

Send us a textWhat 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 expl...