Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College? 

I’ve always felt that I would go into teaching one day, it’s something that has always felt like my purpose. I’ve wanted to support and guide young people, to be that one good teacher who can make a real difference in a teenager’s life. At this stage in my life, I was also looking for a career that would bring genuine satisfaction and a sense of purpose, something where I could truly feel I was helping and making a positive impact. When I started the course, I had three young children — a six-year-old, a three-year-old, and a six-month-old, I was a full-time mother and part-time self-employed Pilates instructor. Hibernia College offered the flexibility I needed through their blended learning model, combining online study with occasional Saturday sessions. This made it possible for me to take on a full-time course while balancing family and work life. The staff at Hibernia were extremely supportive and encouraging from the start. They helped me see that it was possible to succeed despite my busy schedule. I also read excellent reviews about the course and how highly it’s regarded by schools, which reassured me that Hibernia was the right choice for me. 

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

Before starting my PME, I worked as a Marketing Manager across a range of sectors, including IT, scientific industries, school book publishing, and fashion. After having my second child, I decided to take a career break to focus on my family and I taught Pilates. During that time, I had the opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate my long-term goals, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in teaching, something I had always felt drawn to and passionate about. 

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

My research project, titled “Exploring Restorative Practice as a Behaviour Management Strategy in Irish Post-Primary Schools: Combining Discipline with Care,” explored the use of Restorative Practice (RP) as an alternative to traditional punitive approaches to discipline. It focused on how RP can build positive relationships, encourage accountability, and foster a more inclusive and respectful school environment. I chose this area because I believe that positive, respectful relationships are central to effective teaching and learning. From my classroom experience, I’ve seen how strong teacher–student relationships can prevent many behavioural issues before they escalate. Restorative Practice aligns closely with this approach, it promotes empathy, understanding, and communication while maintaining high expectations and clear boundaries. The findings from my survey of teachers and school leaders showed strong support for RP in improving school culture and relationships. However, participants also recognised challenges such as limited training, inconsistent leadership support, and low teacher confidence. Interestingly, many respondents felt that a hybrid model combining Restorative Practice with certain traditional punitive measures worked best in practice. Overall, the study reinforced my belief that effective behaviour management should combine care with discipline,, ensuring students feel respected, accountable, and supported in their learning journey. 

 Now that you have graduated, what are your plans? 

Since graduating, I have been teaching Business and LCVP at both Junior and Senior Cycle, and I’m really enjoying putting everything I’ve learned into real-life classroom practice. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how the theories and strategies from the PME translate into everyday teaching and learning, and I’m continuing to grow in confidence and experience as a teacher. Looking ahead, I plan to add Mathematics to my teaching portfolio and will be starting a qualification in January 2026. I also intend to continue developing professionally through ongoing courses, study, and self-reflection. I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner — I genuinely enjoy studying, keeping my mind active, and continually working to become the best teacher I can be. For me, teaching is not just a career but a continuous journey of learning and improvement, and I’m excited to keep building on my skills and contributing positively to my students’ educational experience. 

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

My biggest piece of advice would be to believe that it’s possible, no matter what stage of life you’re at or what responsibilities you have. With good organisation, perseverance, and a genuine passion for teaching, you can absolutely succeed. I would also say to embrace the journey, not just the goal. The PME is a time of huge personal and professional growth. You’ll learn as much about yourself as you do about teaching. There will be challenges, but every placement, assignment, and reflection helps you become the teacher you’re meant to be. And finally, stay connected to your “why.” For me, it was about guiding and inspiring young people and finding purpose in making a difference. If you hold onto that, it will carry you through the busy days. Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose, it allows you to keep learning, keep growing, and touch lives in a way few other professions can. 

 What was your degree prior to PME? 

Masters by Research in Business and Bachelors Degree in Business