Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College?

I chose teaching because I believe teachers can make a difference in students’ lives, providing them with the skills they need to reach their full potential and fulfil their dreams. I chose Hibernia College because its blending learning approach enabled me to conciliate study with family life.

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

I was a teacher of Business and Economics in Italy.

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

My research focused on how post-primary teachers can promote inclusion of students from different nationalities in the classroom through co-operative learning, dialogue and the physical environment. I chose this area for two reasons: firstly, in 2016, in the Irish education system, there were 96,947 foreign students accounting for eighteen per cent of all students (Central Statistics Office (CSO), 2016). This significant number of pupils has brought cultural diversity to the fore of the Irish education agenda. Secondly, I am an immigrant in Ireland and this status has heightened my sensitivity to the issue of inclusion of migrant students in the classroom.

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans?

To be a full-time teacher

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

It is tough but at the end of the PME, you will be ready to enter into a teaching career.