Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College?

I always loved learning and enjoyed being able to help others in their learning. With teaching running in my family, I had seen how interesting the job was. I also knew how rewarding working with children is when helping to coach my child’s teams in sport and sharing that sense of pride as they developed new skills. I chose teaching with the hope of helping children to discover a love of learning and realise their potential. The flexibility of blended learning was a big factor in choosing Hibernia College allowing me to balance study with family life.

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

I qualified with a Bachelor of Dental Science degree from University College Cork and worked for many years in the UK and Ireland. I spent my last years working as a dentist mostly with primary school-aged children in the HSE.

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

My research project looked at teachers’ perspectives on the use of UDL (Universal Design for Learning) in Mathematics. The idea came from my own enjoyment of and passion for mathematics while realising, on school placements, the difficulties of teaching it effectively with the range of abilities in the classroom. There is an increasing focus on inclusive education in primary schools but inclusive education in Mathematics presents unique challenges and opportunities due to the abstract nature of mathematics and the diversity of learners’ cognitive abilities and learning styles. UDL aims to accommodate the diverse needs of students giving all learners the opportunity to succeed. My research found that, despite many not being familiar with UDL by name, they are implementing many of its strategies in their classrooms, for example, group work, games, concrete materials and self-assessment. More research, training and funding were suggested if UDL is to be successfully embedded as an approach to effectively educate an increasingly diverse student population.

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans?

I am currently working as a learning support teacher for Second Class and also administer a motor skills development programme (SMART Moves) within the school. I work three days per week, which reflects the flexibility of the job and its compatibility with family life. For now, I plan to develop my teaching skills and gain experience while supporting student learning.

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

First, try to get some experience of the classroom to confirm teaching is the career for you. It also serves as a reminder during the course of why you have undertaken your PME. My biggest piece of advice once started would be to be organised and to stay on top of tasks — make a start as soon as assignments are released (sometimes easier said than done!). Ensure a balance between academic and personal life. Be prepared for a challenging course, but it will be worth it.