Why did you choose teaching and why Hibernia College? 

My own experience in primary school is one of the main reasons I chose teaching. I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers in Bunscoil Loreto, Gorey, who made learning enjoyable and engaging. Those early experiences showed me the powerful impact a teacher can have on a child’s confidence and love of learning, and they sparked my interest in education from a young age. I’ve always been drawn to the creativity and variety that come with teaching, no two days are ever the same! It’s incredibly rewarding to watch children grow academically, socially, and emotionally, and to know you’ve played a small part in their development. I chose to study with Hibernia College because it offered the flexibility to balance my studies with work and other commitments. 

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

I graduated in 2021 with a First Class Honours degree in Psychology. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in child and educational psychology, particularly in understanding how children learn and how their emotional and social development influences their education. This really deepened my appreciation for the role teachers play in supporting the whole child, not just academically but personally too. My psychology background gave me a great foundation for teaching, especially in understanding different learning needs, fostering inclusion, and supporting children’s wellbeing in the classroom. 

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

My research project explored teachers’ perspectives on using play-based learning approaches to support oral language development in the infant classroom. I chose this topic because I’ve always been passionate about early childhood education and the power of play as a natural and meaningful way for children to learn. Through my studies and school placements, I saw how important oral language is for building confidence, communication, and literacy skills. I wanted to better understand how teachers use play to nurture these skills and what supports or challenges they experience in doing so. 

Now that you have graduated, what are your plans? 

Now that I’ve graduated, I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into teaching and putting everything I’ve learned into practice. I am currently teaching Fourth and Fifth Class in Scoil Mhuire GNS in Sandymount. I feel privileged to be part of such a wonderful and supportive school with incredible staff. I’m truly enjoying teaching and working with my fantastic class, gaining experience, and creating an engaging learning environment for the girls. Over the next few years, I hope to continue developing my skills as a teacher, gaining experience across different class levels, and learning from colleagues along the way. I’m also interested in furthering my studies in the area of special education in the future. 

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

I’d say go into it with a positive attitude and be kind to yourself along the way. It’s a busy two years, but you learn so much and it’s really rewarding to see your progress from start to finish. Take each placement as a learning experience, not something to be perfect at. Stay organised, celebrate the small wins, and get as much experience as you can in local schools. My cohort was also a huge support throughout the PME, we all leaned on each other for help and encouragement. I’ve met lifelong friends throughout the PME and we continue to support each other as we find our feet in our new classrooms.