Ask me a question!
What were the main 'career decision' milestones in your life so far?
Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?
How did you go about getting your current job?
Describe a typical day?
08:00 | I arrive at school to get ready for the day ahead. Day commences at 08:40 |
08:40 - 09:00 | Assembly period when children come into class to get ready |
09:00 - 10:30 | Formal instruction begins |
10:30 - 10:40 | Children leave for small break |
10:40 - 12:10 | Teaching time |
12:00 - 12:40 | Children go to yard for big break |
12:40 - 14:20 | Teaching time |
14:20 - 15:45 | Usually hurling training after school |
16:00 | Leave school. |
After School | Spend one-two hours at home preparing for next days lessons and correcting assignments |
What are the main tasks and responsibilities?
What are the main challenges?
What do you like most?
Is there anything that isn't great?
What particular skills do you bring to your workplace?
Organisational skills - are essential for teaching as you need to have everything ready in advance.
Social skills - I feel I am good at dealing with people and teaching is all about human interaction.
Sport skills - are so useful in coaching school teams.
Enthusiasm and commitment - I feel I am a very enthusiastic and committed teacher and this reflects on the children I teach.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
What is your education to date?
Primary School: Castlecomer Convent & Castlecomer Boys National School, Co. Kilkenny.
Secondary School: Castlecomer Community School, Co. Kilkenny - Completed Junior and Leaving Certificate Examinations.
College: St.Patrick's College, Drumcondra - completed Bachelor of Education Degree.
Currently studying in U.C.D. on a Masters in Education Programme.
What aspects of your education have proven most important for your job?
What have been the most rewarding events in your career so far?
Cumann na mBunscoil finals
We reached four Cumann na mBunscoil finals since I started in Scoil San Treasa and won two of them - one each in hurling and camogie. Having put a lot of work into the re-generation of hurling and camogie in the school these events were most rewarding for me.
Confirmation 2007 and 2005
It was a great feeling to have helped the children prepare for these events on these two special days in the lives of the children in our school.
What personal qualities do you have that helps you in your career?
What is your dream job?
Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?
Yes, because of the fact that I am into sport, teaching allows me the time to ensure I can attend training sessions and games all the time. In relation to progression there is always plenty of areas that you can explore from a background in education. It is a very secure job. However, It would be impossible for me at the moment to buy a house in Dublin on my salary.
What advice would you give to someone considering this job?
What are the three most important personal characteristics required for the job?
Have you undertaken, or do you plan to undertake any further training as part of your job?
I have received training on the use of the interactive whiteboard as a tool for teaching.
Inservice days on new (1999) primary school curriculum.
I have participated in many courses on Gaelic Games run by the local G.A.A. Club 'Kilmacud Crokes'.
Currently I am studying in U.C.D. on a Masters in Education programme.
- Career Development?
- Current Job?
- Education and Training?
- Personal Qualities?
- Advice for Others?