School of Education present at 2026 SCoTENS Conference

23 Oct 2026

The School of Education presented at 2026 SCoTENS Conference, exploring Diversity in Teacher Education on the 15th and 16th October.

On the 15th and 16th of October, the School of Education was represented in Cavan at the 2026 SCoTENS conference. The theme for 2026 was Exploring Diversity in Teacher Education and speakers were invited to engage with how diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives shape teaching and learning. The conference explored diversity across the profession, including recruitment, retention, and representation, as well as how teachers are prepared for increasingly diverse and complex classrooms. It highlighted inclusive curriculum design, lived experience, and everyday practice, while addressing wellbeing, sustainability, and long-term system change. By connecting policy, practice, and teacher education, this year’s conference aimed to advance a shared dialogue on more equitable, responsive, and empathic education for learners and teachers across all contexts and career stages.

Aoife Neary contributed to a panel discussion chaired by Prof Noel Purdy OBE, Director of Research and Scholarship and Director of CREU (the Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement) at Stranmillis University College, Belfast. The panel featured:
•Dr Aideen Hunter, Senior Lecturer, Ulster University
•Anne Burke, Southern Traveller Health Network & University College Cork
•Dr Aoife Neary, Senior Lecturer, University College Cork
•James Curran MBE, Principal Harberton Special School, Belfast

Camelia Nadia Bran presented a paper based on a project titled "Multiple Lenses: One Picture: Understanding Student Teachers' Preparedness for Inclusion".

Claire O'Neill presented a paper that shared findings of participatory research with Autistic teachers that explored diversity in teacher education and in the teaching profession.