Blog

#AP2

How do I deal with an unsustainable work load with my AP1?

How do I deal with an unsustainable work load with my AP1?

Today we are talking about teaching sustainably. I had a query lately that I feel it's important to share and offer my thoughts on the matter. Here's the query from a follower. 

Hi Orla, I’ve recently secured an AP1 post and there are so many duties that need to be covered. I don’t know how I’ll get through them all. I know I can do it but it seems like such a mountain of things to cover. What should I do? 


Firstly, congratulations on getting the role! How did you celebrate? In life, we ofte…

Continue Reading.....

How do I give evidence if I'm not in a managerial role?

How do I give evidence if I'm not in a managerial role?

Today’s question is a common question that I'm asked by clients. 

I am currently filling out the deputy principal application form and looking at this doc but where I am struggling is regarding answering some of the major questions (seeing as I am not in a managerial role - and some of these questions are written regarding what you are doing already). Would the language be a case of "I would" rather than I do - or what would be your advice here? Getting the language right is really stumping me.…

Continue Reading.....

How do you answer the question on the vision for the role/vision for the school?

How do you answer the question on the vision for the role/vision for the school?

This question is one I get again and again from clients and they need to put their thinking caps on! 

How do you answer the question on the vision for the role/vision for the school?

One thing that I noticed when I began leadership coaching is that teachers sometimes were sometimes frustrated and they could sometimes use this question as a chance to vent. For this question, I always recommend that the energy is positive. This question IS NOT a chance to rant and tell them what you believe is g…

Continue Reading.....

photo-1542626991-cbc4e32524cc

How do I answer what is your vision for the school/post of responsibility? 

My clients often find this question tricky! Why? Because they haven't taken the time to dream about the changes they could make. A great way to think about it is - If you had a magic wand and you could make changes - what would they be?

Here are some further tips: 

  • Be authentic – Think about what difference you would love to make in the school. Reflect: How would the school be different in 5 years’ time? What opportunities might the staff, pupils and community have? How would they be acting?…

Continue Reading.....

What's the difference between The Teachers' Promotion Club and 1-1 services with you?

This question has come up a little in my clarity calls with interested teachers so I'm sharing a little about what you can expect inside the club!

Pros of The Teachers' Promotion Club

1. Exclusive Trainings

Inside The Teachers' Promotion Club we delve deeper into themes that come up in interviews like Time Management, how to deal with the conflict question and lots of in-depth information about the LAOS document. Some of the trainings are paid masterclasses that I've held teachers have invested…

Continue Reading.....

SAF+applications+for+teachers-940w-788h

What do I need to do to improve my teaching job application?

I see you. Doubting your SAF - wondering if there’s anything that you can do to improve it, if there’s some secret that others know that you don’t.

If this sounds like you then - you’re in luck!

I've created a quiz that helps teachers pinpoint exactly where they are in their job application process.

Do you want to find out - where YOU are at? It takes just a few minutes and you will get personalized results and actions that you can take to improve your job applications.

Click here to do the quiz: ht…

Continue Reading.....

Creating a Guiding Vision for Your School - The Core Values Approach

Creating a Guiding Vision for Your School - The Core Values Approach

I regularly ask questions my 1-1 interview leadership coaching clients about the guiding vision of their school. Their replies are always really interesting.

From a coaching perspective, developing an awareness of your core values is really important.

My top 3 core values are commitment, growth and variety. When I make decisions about events, situations, investments etc. - each decision will revolve around my need for variety, commitment and growth. If I don’t experience these things then I feel s…

Continue Reading.....

Further questions from recent leadership interviews

Interview questions for Principal Jobs in Ireland

Are you searching for potential questions for leadership positions? If you’re reading this - I’m betting that you are!

Working 1-1 with 100s of teachers each year - puts me in a great position to hear what the latest questions are that are being asked. I hope you find them useful!

  • Intro: What have been three achievements in your teaching career to date?

  • What was a teaching and learning initiative that you introduced?

  • How do you self-evaluate?

  • What makes you ready to take on …

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