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Education

Teacher Talk with the INTO

INTO

Bringing you the issues and topics being discussed in staffrooms across the country.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 24 min
  • English

Episodes 20

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  • S3 · E8
    April 14 · 35 min

    Making Sense of the World in Your Classroom

    This episode of Teacher Talk with the INTO with Sandra (INTO Official & Global Solidarity Officer) discusses how do we prepare young people for our ever-changing world? Ailbhe Joyce is a primary school educator & advocate for Global Citizenship Education and sustainable development. She is the founder of Laois Forest School, where she champions outdoor, play-based learning to support children’s wellbeing, creativity and connection with nature. Jenny Gannon, director of the Development and Intercultural Education (DICE) project, a national initiative that supports the inclusion of global citizenship, has 20 years' experience in primary education and is committed to fostering inclusive educational environments. Resources mentioned in this episode: bit.ly/GlobalVillageResources bit.ly/GlobalVillageCPDSessions Bit.ly/ShareOneLesson Bit.ly/thediceproject Open.spotify.com/show/20RJID5Nkct5kulnHysDym Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E7
    February 10 · 38 min

    Standardised Testing in Irish Education

    INTO’s Máirín Máirín Ní Chéileachair speaks with the Educational Research Centre’s (ERC) Rachel Cunningham and Dr Aidan Clerkin. We talk about how standardised tests are created, setting accurate norms and the vital partnership with schools that makes this possible and why they must be regularly revised to stay aligned with curriculum changes. Rachel Cunningham is a research fellow leading test development in literacy, numeracy and spelling at ERC. Dr Aidan Clerkin is also a research fellow, who oversees Ireland’s participation in TIMSS and is co editor of the Irish Journal of Education, with international research experience across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E6
    Dec 16, 2025 · 25 min

    Is the teaching landscape really diverse?

    INTO’s Maeve McCafferty discusses the barriers faced entering and staying in primary teaching in Ireland and the importance of diverse representation in the classroom. Kathleen Murphy is a primary school teacher and a proud member of the Irish Traveller community. Kathleen is committed to inclusion, representation and human rights. Seyi Agbede is also a primary school teacher beginning his teaching journey in Nigeria. Seyi relocated to Ireland in 2021 and has since continued to shape the education sector through both teaching and advocacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E5
    Dec 2, 2025 · 27 min

    The Digital Dilemma: Cybersafety & Mobile Phone Use in Schools

    INTO’s David Geary talks to Jane McGarrigle (Webwise National Coordinator) and Ciara McGuane (Founder, Rahoo) about online safety, media literacy, CPD, supports and campaigns to protect children from online risks. Tune in to hear: 📱 Online dangers 📱 Practical tips and support for teachers and parents in understanding online risks 📱 The need for tougher regulation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E4
    Jun 24, 2025 · 22 min

    Pride in Progress: 20 Years of the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group

    In this episode of Teacher Talk with the INTO, we mark two decades of the INTO LGBT+ Teachers’ Group, a community built on resilience, representation, and change. Join us as we discuss: The origins of the LGBT+ Teachers’ Group Key Irish legislation in policy and advocacy Ongoing challenges for LGBT+ teachers How to be an ally to LGBT+ teachers Hear firsthand from two members about the group's impact on the LGBT+ community in education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E3
    Apr 8, 2025 · 25 min

    Empowering Minds: Celebrating Special Needs Education

    New Series of Teacher Talk with the INTO! Join us as we chat with Caroline Brougham from Glasnevin Educate Together and Máirín Ní Chéileachair, INTO Assistant General Secretary of Education, celebrating the power of special education. Key highlights: Caroline shares her journey into special education and the challenges in fostering an inclusive classroom. Máirín discusses staffing improvements and the rise of special classes. Practical advice for how you promote the ethos of inclusion among teachers, pupils, parents and the wider school community And how schools have evolved in terms of inclusion over the years. A timely discussion shedding light on the provision of special education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E2
    Mar 25, 2025 · 27 min

    Congress 101: Everything you need to know

    We discuss the ins and outs of INTO Congress with guests Deirdre O’Connor, INTO Assistant General Secretary and INTO Intern, David Donagh! Whether you're a seasoned attendee or preparing for your first Congress, this episode has everything you need to know. What you’ll learn: •What is Congress? Why it’s a cornerstone of union decisions and the policies shaped there. •From idea to policy: Discover how motions are proposed, debated and voted on; and how they influence union policy. •Tips for first-timers: From understanding the process to standing at the podium with confidence, we've got you covered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S3 · E1
    Mar 11, 2025 · 22 min

    Getting to Grips with Your Career Break or Job Share

    Series 3 Episode 1 of Series of Teacher Talk with the INTO: ‘Getting to Grips with Your Career Break or Job Share’ In this episode, we’re joined by Ashling Lynch, an Official at the INTO and Norah Daly, a teacher from Scoil Mhuire in Tullamore, Co Offaly, who took a career break to travel. Norah shares her personal journey of stepping away from the classroom on a career break and her transition back to teaching while Ashling explains how the different schemes work. What we’ll explore: · What exactly is a career break, and how can teachers apply? · Key dates and deadlines to keep in mind when considering a career break or job sharing. · Norah’s experience: From deciding to take a break to adjusting back into the teaching world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E4
    Nov 22, 2024 · 28 min

    General Election 2024: Key issues for primary and special education

    In this episode of Teacher Talk with the INTO we will be discussing the General Election and its key issues for primary and special education, featuring INTO General Secretary John Boyle and INTO President Carmel Browne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E3
    Oct 22, 2024 · 23 min

    INTO’s Global Impact – A Retrospective

    In this episode, we’re exploring the INTO’s role in global advocacy with INTO General Secretary John Boyle and Sandra Corrigan, INTO Global Solidarity Officer. We’ll discuss the importance of strengthening international connections with unions across Europe and beyond, the global funding that supports this work, and the incredible contributions of INTO members on the ground. We’ll also look ahead to the future of international advocacy and how you can get involved in our upcoming initiatives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E2
    Oct 8, 2024 · 18 min

    From Other Professions to Teaching – Making the Leap

    In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Gene Mehigan, Vice President for Education and Strategic Development at Marino Institute of Education, Lisa Plunkett (Our Lady Immaculate SNS, Darndale), a former personal trainer who transitioned into primary teaching, and Brian MacCormaic (St. Maelruan's SNS, Tallaght), who made the switch from a 20-year career in construction to become a primary teacher. We explore the challenges and steps involved in becoming a teacher, from the financial burden to the workload and the journey to gaining those all-important qualifications. We’ll also explore the growing trend of professionals from other sectors moving into teaching and discuss what might be driving this shift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S2 · E1
    Sep 24, 2024 · 30 min

    Starting Strong – Essential Tips for Your First Year of Teaching

    Welcome to Series 2 of Teacher Talk with the INTO! In this first episode, we hear from Aoife Doyle, Deputy Principal of St. Colmcille’s JNS in Knocklyon, Dublin, and David Donagh who teaches in St. Colmcille’s SNS in Kells, is Chair of the Kells Branch and INTO Intern for 2024/25. They’ll be sharing valuable tips and insights to help you kick-start your teaching career on a positive note. We look at key areas for NQTs in their first months, including how to build strong relationships with pupils and parents, managing your workload efficiently, and staying organised. We’ll also dive into the importance of self-care - why taking time to 'fill your own cup' is crucial for maintaining motivation, preventing burnout, and creating happy, thriving classrooms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E6
    Jun 18, 2024 · 21 min

    Becoming an active member

    How to get involved in INTO – what to expect and how it can benefit your career.

  • S1 · E5
    Jun 11, 2024 · 21 min

    Fighting for reproductive health leave

    Today we will be discussing our campaign to secure paid reproductive health leave for our members. In recent years, we have heard heart breaking stories of our members experiences with pregnancy loss and other reproductive challenges. Maeve McCafferty, INTO shares details about the union’s campaign, while Marita Hennessy, UCC speaks about new research from UCC on pregnancy loss in the workplace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E3
    May 28, 2024 · 25 min

    Life as a teacher with a disability

    Sitting down with two disability advocates and teachers, Patrick Hickey and Leesa Flynn, we hear firsthand their experiences of initial teacher education and life now as practising teachers. How can we make our schools more inclusive? Have we evolved as a society and how do we view disability? Tune in to find out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E2
    May 21, 2024 · 19 min

    The teacher supply crisis

    Schools continue to grapple with the ongoing staffing crisis nationwide, with principals scrambling to fill vacant teaching posts to ensure a quality education is provided to pupils. In this episode, John Boyle and Máirín Ní Chéileachair consider how can we turn the tide on staffing and ensure all children have access to a qualified teacher each and every day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • S1 · E1
    May 14, 2024 · 24 min

    The voice of teachers abroad

    In this episode, we ditch the headlines and chat directly with two educators, Ella Murray Golden and Marie Magner, who took the leap and moved overseas to work. Is the grass really greener on the other side? More importantly, what would it take for them to return home? Ella and Marie share their honest account into life abroad and cover topics including teacher wellbeing, professional development, and international education systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes