Celebrating Collaboration with Schools in Teaching Practice

Professor John Coolahan, Chair, Governing Body, gave the keynote address at the closing seminar of Phase 4 (2008/2009) of the Teacher Professional Development Partnership with Schools Project in St Patrick’s College on Thursday, 4th June 2009.  In his address, Prof. Coolahan emphasised the value of engaging schools systematically in teaching practice and in teacher education, and congratulated the participating schools, students and the project team.

Seminar presentations were also made by Dr Pauric Travers,President, Alice Berminghan, Principal Teacher (Mother of Divine Grace NS, Ballygall), Stephanie Crawford, Teacher (St. Fintan’s NS), Susan Ryan, BEd3, Helen Kingston, BEd3, Paula Murphy, and Dr Bernadette Ní Áingléis, Director of Teaching Practice.  In his presentation, Dr Travers, outlined the challenges in mainstreaming systematic involvement of schools in teaching practice but cautioned against a state of inertia given current economic considerations.  Imagination, professional courage and a sense of hope needed to prevail, confirming the sentiments of Professor Coolahan.

The participating schools in Phase 4 of the partnership with schools project who were awarded plaques were: Balscadden NS, Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, Drumcondra NS, Mother of Divine Grace NS, St. Joseph’s GNS, Finglas, and St Fintan’s NS, Sutton.  The project team members led by Dr. Bernadette Ní Áingléis were Seán Mac Conmara, Paula Murphy and Diarmuid Toomey.

Attending the closing seminar were principals, teachers, students in Phase 4 joined by guests from the Teaching Council, the Inspectorate, the INTO and staff from St. Patrick’s College. The seminar opened on a musical note provided by participating students and concluded with a delightful solo from Breda O’Connor, BEd3.  The celebratory seminar marked the collaborative achievements of schools, students and St Patrick’s College in the area of teaching practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Monday June 29 2009