ireland

May 7, 2025

Playing the Apprentice Card

This case study is a valuable tool for examining the tension preservice teachers often feel between theory and practice—especially when working under the guidance of more traditional mentors. It centers on Jessica, a student teacher placed with a mentor who upholds strict, competitive PE practices.
May 7, 2025

Navigating Intersectional Identities

This case study offers a valuable opportunity for teacher educators, school teachers, and mentors, to engage with the concept of intersectionality in classroom settings. It follows Harper, a teacher in a diverse school, who seeks to introduce discussions about race, gender, and sexuality as cross-curricular themes.
May 7, 2025

Navigating Conflicting Messages

This case study serves as a practical resource for teacher educators, cooperating teachers/mentors, or CPD facilitators to explore the complexities preservice teachers face during school placements—especially when personal values conflict with established school norms.
May 7, 2025

Creating Safe Spaces

This case study can be used to prompt meaningful dialogue among teacher educators about how to create emotionally safe and inclusive learning spaces. It offers a concrete scenario that illustrates the importance of subtle, intentional actions—such as visible symbols of support, inclusive teaching strategies, and personalized student engagement.
May 6, 2025

Sowing and Nurturing…

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are foundational to building a just and progressive education system. In Ireland, initial teacher education (ITE) is positioned within a supportive legislative and policy framework, offering fertile ground for transformative EDI work. This piece explores the policies shaping EDI in Irish ITE and the pivotal role of teacher educators (TEs) in translating these ideals into practice.