Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College? 

I chose teaching because I’m very passionate about English literature and working with the youth. I wanted to be a part of educating our young people and passing on some of the passion I have for my subjects through the classroom and beyond. I chose Hibernia College because of its core values and hybrid style of learning that allowed me to study key concepts relating to my future career whilst allowing hands on experience to unfold through the hybrid model. The staff and students were always positive and inspiring throughout. 

What field of work or study were you in before you started your PME? 

Before I started my PME I was working as a personal assistant in the finance sector. I enjoyed the fast paced and ever changing nature of the work but felt something was missing. I applied to Hibernia and haven’t looked back since! 

Can you tell us a bit about your research project and why you focused on this area? 

My research project focused on teacher perspectives on the impact of socio- economic disadvantage on student attainment in DEIS post- primary schools. I attended a DEIS school myself and completed one of my placement blocks there during my PME. Through this exposure and personal experience I was interested in the gap that still exists in student attainment in DEIS versus non DEIS schools. I wanted to access and explore teacher perspectives on what barriers exist in DEIS schools and whether there are further interventions to combat these barriers and allow for higher student attainment figures in tandem with DEIS initiatives. I am passionate about equality in education and every student deserving support in achieving their own personal educational goals. This research project allowed me to talk to experienced professionals who were also passionate about the topic and had hands on experience. The research felt needed and important in the current educational climate and it’s an area I hope to expand my research on. Every child not only deserves an education, but also an education that has no limits or boundaries, particularly those that exist due to socio- economic factors. 

 Now that you have graduated, what are your plans? 

Now that I have graduated I am looking forward to growing and learning in the classroom and continuing my research and professional development as a teacher. I hope to connect with my students and transfer my passion to them as well as providing a safe space for them to learn and grow. 

What piece of advice would you give to any person considering starting a PME? 

I would advise them to enjoy the experience. It’s a quick two years and the students, lecturers, mentors and colleagues you meet will teach you so much about the profession and yourself. Engage with the material and enjoy implementing it in the classroom. Ensure to listen to student voice and always prioritise being the teacher you want to be. Enjoy the journey and the people you will meet on the way to being a qualified teacher.