Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College? 

Having worked as a special needs assistant previously, I knew that I loved working with and supporting children. I had the opportunity to work with some fantastic teachers during that time and saw the impact that a great teacher can have on a child’s life. I knew then that teaching would be the career for me. I chose Hibernia College because it gave me the flexibility to study at home while also being supported through the online webinars and face to face learning. 

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

I worked as a special needs assistant prior to beginning my PME. I have a special interest in working with children with additional needs and I loved being part of the school community. During that time I have the privilege of working with fantastic teachers and seeing the incredible impact they can have on children’s lives. Their passion really inspired me to take the next step and pursue the PME, so that I could share my own experience and play a part in helping every child thrive. 

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

My dissertation was entitled ‘Teachers’ perceptions of comprehension strategies to support children with dyslexia in middle classrooms’. I chose to focus my dissertation on dyslexia because I have dyslexia myself, and it has been a big part of my own learning journey. Growing up, I experienced both the challenges and the rewards that come with learning differently, and it gave me a real understanding of how important the right support and encouragement can be. Through my research, I wanted to explore practical ways to help children with dyslexia feel confident and capable in the classroom. My goal is to use what I’ve learned to create inclusive and supportive learning environments where every child can succeed. 

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans?

Since graduating, I’ve started teaching a wonderful class of Senior Infants, and it’s been such a rewarding experience. Every day brings something new, and I love seeing the children’s curiosity and excitement for learning. I still see myself very much on a learning journey. I am constantly picking up new ideas and inspiration from the amazing teachers I work alongside. Looking ahead, I hope to continue developing my practice and exploring new approaches to teaching that make learning engaging and inclusive for every child. I’m especially interested in deepening my understanding of literacy development and supporting children with additional needs. This year, I have a student teacher completing their teaching practice in my classroom. I really enjoyed sharing what I have learned and supporting them as they develop their own teaching style. It’s been such a rewarding experience, and I look forward to continuing to mentor student teachers as they begin their own journeys into the classroom. 

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

My advice to anyone thinking about doing the PME would be to get as much classroom experience as you can beforehand. Try working as a substitute teacher in a mix of rural and urban schools, and in both mainstream and special education settings. It’s a great way to discover what kind of environment suits you best and where you can really see yourself thriving in the future. The PME is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey, and the more experience and perspective you bring into it, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel. Most importantly, remember why you want to teach. That passion will carry you through the busy days and make the whole experience so worthwhile.