Blog

#News

when+are+teaching+jobs+advertised

When are teaching jobs advertised?


In Ireland, the job season for teachers is in two parts. The first part begins in May and continues into July. Most schools then take a break for 2 weeks in August and then in part 2 there is another surge for the last two weeks in August, and into the start of September.

Taking holidays abroad

Before the changes in 2020/21 (more interviews being held online, increased uncertainty with staffing numbers, the dangers for pregnant and compromised staff in the classrooms) and Covid-19 restricting us t


Continue Reading.....

where+are+teaching+jobs+advertised_

Where are teaching jobs advertised in Ireland?

For NQTs, teachers looking for a change, to move home or for roles in management the go-to places for job vacancies in the Primary and Second Level Education Sector are www.educationposts.ie, www.publicjobs.ie    and  www.staffroom.ie. 

Further useful websites include:

> Read up on when are 


Continue Reading.....

Can I buy a hard copy of your guide NQT Job Application Guide

Can I buy a hard copy of your guide NQT Job Application Guide?

At the moment, no. ‘NQTs – Acing Your Job Applications – An All-in-1 Guide’ is only available as a download here. You can print it off at home or send it to your local printers (stationery shop) and ask them to print it for you in an A4 booklet style.

Many stationary shops may even post it to you for a fee if you can’t collect it. It’s a fabulous resource to have in coloured hard copy.

Continue Reading.....

What+to+wear+to+a+teaching+interview_

What should I wear to a teaching interview?

I often see questions online regarding what to wear to teaching interviews. A principal will probably be smartly dressed in a suit or dress of some kind. That should give you an idea of the type of attire that will be expected of you.

Interview Style

And so, today's focus is on interview style. Whether your interview is face to face on online – it’s important to look put–together, smart and that you are out to impress the interview panel.

What that means to each person is slightly different. Howeve


Continue Reading.....

When interview feedback hurs

When interview feedback hurts


Interview feedback causes lots of confusion - should I look for it? Will it be useful? How do I improve when I get it anyway? And many teachers feel that even though they look for it - they feel that it’s not useful because it’s too general or seems irrelevant somehow.

Addressing hurtful interview feedback

Worse still, interview feedback can hurt sometimes. How do you stop the feedback from hurting you inside?

If you’ve had many interviews and no job offers and you’ve got lots of feedback, here is 


Continue Reading.....

Advice+to+NQTs

Advice for NQTs starting their first job.

Beginning your first job can be overwhelming. You’re newly qualified, you’ve finally gotten a job, perhaps you’ve had to move across the country but you are delighted to get a chance to do what you’ve always wanted for yourself. Your dream of beginning a teacher has begun. I was the same back in September 2008.

Today I'm taking you back to my own NQT days - to July 2008 -  with a letter I would have loved to receive from my 'older' self so that you too can get some perspective and learn some of t


Continue Reading.....

What+to+put+in+for+special+interests+SAF

What should I write as my special interests in my Standard Application Form?

I’m often asked by clients - what should I put in as my special interests in the special interests section in my Standard Application Form? I answer simply - whatever it is that you’re interested in. Some of my clients keep this area purely focused on areas that they are interested in within the curriculum e.g. Aistear, Inclusion, Special Educational Needs etc. Others include their hobbies - and that’s a lovely inclusion too - especially of they use those hobbies in school sometimes. My take on 


Continue Reading.....

Developing Leadership Capacity in Others

Principal Interviews: Domain 4 - Developing Leadership Capacity


"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others" — Jack Welch


The quotation above, outlines one of the key responsibilities for leaders. Whether it be in the beginning stages of leadership e.g. self-management, personal development, courage and growth - to leadership at community level e.g. encouraging and helping others to do those things - developing leadership capacity is vitally important.

When you're applying for A


Continue Reading.....

Domain+3+-+Leading+School+Development

School Management AP Applications: Domain 3 Leading School Development

From remote teaching, adapting to the new curriculum, School Self Evaluation, facilitating various employment options and now Covid restrictions - schools are developing at a speed which is faster than ever.

When preparing your AP, deputy principal or principal application form - and preparing for your interviews, you may choose to think about:

How might you go about leading school development?

‱ School Development: How aware are you about how the school is developing at present? Getting a birds-ey


Continue Reading.....

Managing+an+organisation+-+domain+2

AP Applications: How to Prepare for Domain 2: Managing an Organisation

AP, DP and Principal Applications

The second in the series for experienced teachers applying for positions in management roles in their school or beyond - looks at how you can outline your experience managing an organisation.

If you have extensive experience behind you, over the years - you may have facilitated various initiatives, mentored many new staff in the school and adapted to many curricular changes. So, how can you succinctly and effectively communicate these management competencies in yo


Continue Reading.....

Categories