Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College? 

I chose teaching as I have always felt an innate desire to inspire and educate the next generation. To stand in my own classroom covering the curriculum in a way that resonates with me, my style of teaching and the learning styles of the children in front of me. I also understand that everyone child deserves to be and has the right to be immersed in a rich learning environment with a teacher who goes above and beyond to ensure their success and that is what I aim to do every time I step into my classroom. I also have a huge passion dár dteanga dhúchais an Ghaeilge. It was critically important to me that I played a part in passing her onto our next generation. I chose Hibernia College as I had become accustomed to online learning having undertaken my undergraduate during the pandemic. I believed the flexibility of Hibernia College being part online and part in person, really suited my style of learning and looking back on this now I could not have been more correct. 

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

I have an undergraduate degree in Irish and Geography from St Patrick’s College (DCU) 

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

As a I mentioned above, I am hugely passionate about the Irish language and even more passionate that she thrives amongst the next generation. I also have a passion for teaching children with additional needs in particular dyslexia. This led me to wonder long before I even begun my research project on the effect dyslexia may have on children’s ability to acquire the Irish language, particularly children who come from households in which Irish is the second language and who attend Gaelscoileanna. This led me to my research project in which I carried out study on teachers perceptions on the availability of resources to teach children with dyslexia in Gaelscoileanna. The research project was hugely interesting and provided concrete evidence that children with dyslexia can succeed within Gaelscoileanna as long as the correct procedures and resources are in place. 

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans?

I have already been offered and accepted a permanent post in a Gaelscoil in my hometown of Dundalk. My plan is to use the knowledge I have gained from my research project to inspire and teach the wider curriculum through the medium of the Irish language to all children under my care. I intend to foster a positive attitude towards education and the Irish language within my classroom in which all children despite additional needs or backgrounds will strive. 

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

Go for it. The two years will fly by and I have made some friends for life during my two year masters degree. Furthermore, thanks to this PME I am now in my dream job in my dream school. Although study and hard work is required, the unbelievable network and relationship you build with your cohort within Hibernia College is priceless and invaluable and will ensure you not only make it through your PME but thrive.