A proud graduate of UCC, I have devoted over twenty years to the pursuit of teaching and learning excellence within the second level education system. I have a BA in English and History, a Higher Diploma in Education, and a Certificate in Educational Leadership. I was a founding board member of CoisCeim, a successful school attendance initiative in Limerick city centre. I have spent a large part of my career teaching the most underprivileged of children in both the UK and Ireland.  A secondary school Principal for over ten years, I am currently on career break and working within the School of Education’s PME programme as a PME1 and PME2 tutor, as well as serving as a Research Supervisor. I am a member of the School of Education’s Learning & Teaching Strategic Committee. Research and leadership specialisms include the successful implementation of literacy programmes across school curriculums, advocating for improved intervention strategies to enhance school attendance, piloting advanced skills teaching and learning methodologies, examining the impact of targeted intervention strategies for underperforming and SEN students, and promoting positive, inclusive learning environments for all. I am a passionate advocate for student-led learning and enquiry based methodologies that place the acquisition of core skills at the heart of every student’s educational journey.