Teachers Themselves

Send 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 p...

Send 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 upbri...

Send 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'...

Send 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...

Send 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 educa...

Send a text 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 educatio...

Send a text 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&ap...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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 c...

Send a text 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...

Send a text 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 Kn...

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 mile...

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. This episode is Part 2 of their conversation so before you listen, go back and enjoy Pa...

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 i...

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....

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 chang...

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 tradi...

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...

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 teac...

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 r...

Send a text 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&ap...

Send a text 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 t...

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...

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;  to attend her CPD with DWEC,  to consider the CPD available through the NCSE  and for CPD for your own Wellbei...

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...