Teacher Talk with the INTO

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.

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.

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. 

To conclude season 1 of Teacher Talk with the INTO, we will be talking about an issue the union has long campaigned on … Ireland’s supersized class sizes. Some 80% of our primary school classes are above the EU average of 20 pupils to one teacher, with 1 in 5 pupils learning in a supersized class of 30 or more.So, why are we still talking about class sizes? What are the consequences of supersized classes on children’s education? Feargal Brougham and Tracie Tobin consider these topical questions in this episode.

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.

In this episode we will be talking about arguably one of the most important financial plans anyone will ever make – your pension. Evidence suggests many don’t feel they know enough about pension schemes or their own entitlements and report difficulty understanding the technical jargon used. Deirdre O’Connor, INTO and Stephen Gibney, Cornmarket break this down for listeners and encourage them to consider their long-term pension plan.

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!

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.