Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College?

I chose teaching because I have a passion for working with children and helping them grow into confident and capable individuals. I opted for Hibernia College because its flexible structure allowed me to continue working while pursuing my studies. A friend also recommended the programme, and the convenience of the format fit well with my circumstances at the time.

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

Before starting my PME, I primarily taught English as a second language to adults, which deepened my understanding of language acquisition and teaching strategies. Alongside this, I worked as a documentary filmmaker and as an editor in independent film and television, where I honed my creative and technical skills. I also started my own business aimed at leveraging the insights of cognitive linguistics to help English learners tackle some of the more challenging aspects of grammar, combining my teaching experience with innovative approaches to language learning.

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

My research was inspired by my background in teaching English as a second language and my observations of the challenges faced by children entering Irish classrooms with little or no English proficiency. This issue became particularly relevant with the recent arrival of many Ukrainian children to our schools. Currently, the support systems in place aim to help these children achieve an ‘intermediate level’ of conversational English, which research shows is often sufficient for younger students early in their education. However, as children progress through the latter years of primary school, the academic demands on their language skills increase significantly. My study focused on working teachers’ perspectives to evaluate whether the existing resources adequately address the needs of older children. The findings highlighted a concerning gap in support for this group, underscoring the need for more attention and resources to address these challenges effectively.

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans?

I recently began a role as a special education teacher with Second Class at Carrigtwohill CNS. My immediate plan is to give my very best to the children I work with and to continue learning from the incredible team of educators around me there. Looking ahead, I’m also keen to deepen my understanding of research in education. Many teaching practices, even those once considered exemplary, have fallen short of rigorous scientific standards, particularly in terms of reproducibility. Given the importance of education and the value of children’s time, I’m passionate about advocating for evidence-based approaches that truly support learning and development.

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

My advice to anyone considering a PME is to ensure you genuinely enjoy working with children and teaching. Volunteering at a sports club or youth group can give you valuable insight into what it’s like to engage with young people in an educational setting. Speak to those already in the profession and, if possible, connect with people who have completed the Hibernia master’s to fully understand the level of commitment involved. If, like me, your contact with the Irish language has been limited since your Leaving Cert, I highly recommend attending Irish classes to reacquaint yourself with the language — it’s a worthwhile investment in your preparation. Even if you decide not to pursue the course, expanding your skills is always beneficial. Be prepared for challenges, particularly balancing work, study, and life commitments, and make sure your finances are stable enough to avoid unnecessary stress during the programme. I personally found the Credit Union to be very helpful.  While there’s a lot to consider, don’t lose sight of the incredible privilege it is to positively shape a child’s life. That opportunity makes the effort truly worthwhile.