Friday 26th January, 2018 Europa Hotel, Exhibition Centre, Belfast Welcome ....

If you take the time to read the fascinating biographies of the greatly: we may not remember every single thing that a teachers and classroom assistants in this special Blackboard teacher taught us, but we’ll always remember the way they supplement – and we strongly recommend that you do – you’ll made us feel. find a recurring theme; or perhaps I should say recurring It’s that increasing emphasis on the individuality and themes. And that is that despite the jocular remarks that we’ve humanity of children that makes me so grateful for the all heard before, and perhaps even made, if you want to get massive changes that have taken place in our schools into teaching because of the long summer holidays, you’d throughout the decades. I’m of a generation where the strap better think again. And if you’re attracted to a career in and the stick were too often the education tools of choice education because of a 3pm or 3.30pm finish, then I’m afraid rather than last resort, but I have three children who have the classroom’s not for you. For what crops up time and time benefited from the kind of classroom care and thought that is again as we read the stories of the remarkable individuals to displayed in spades not only by the teachers and classroom whom we entrust our children is the idea of teaching as a assistants here this evening, but by professionals right across vocation; and what also crops up time and time again is the this city, right across this island. incredible amount of commitment and dedication that goes There are fiscal/political problems that stand in the way of into the extra-curricular activities that make our schools so our schools’ ability to do the job to the best of their ability, and much more than just buildings and books. yet again we look on as our elected representatives engage in I think you’ll very quickly detect, as I did, the golden thread another round of ‘crunch talks’ designed to get the power- that runs through each of the stories. The nominees, of course, sharing institutions back up and running. We wish them well differ greatly in their backgrounds, in their route to education in their endeavours, but I’m sure and certain that their efforts and in their personalities, but that golden thread is an to give us back the devolved government that the vast appreciation that modern education is about so much more majority want would quicken in pace if they too took the than tables and dates, declensions and names. Every single chance to read the stories inside. one of the people that we gather here tonight to honour is acutely aware of the need to provide a secure and comfortable Robin Livingstone, environment in which the singular gifts of every pupil can be Group Editor, allowed to bloom. I can personally attest – as I’m sure we all Belfast Media Group can – to the truth of one particular statement which struck me www.belfastmediagroup.com

Welcome to the 2018 Blackboard Awards. Danske Bank is once primary schools supports 13- to 16-year-olds become more again delighted to support the Blackboard Awards. Each year financially confident through a range of cross-curricular we are delighted to see the awards go from strength to modules and resources delivered in classrooms by our own strength, reflecting the sheer quality and talent of the staff. principals, teachers and classroom assistants in our local We also have a long history of supporting local sporting schools. talent and are proud to be the biggest supporter of youth sport For us, the Blackboard Awards are an important event in in Northern Ireland through our partnerships with the Ulster the calendar, they provide us with an opportunity to recognise Schools’ Cup, Ulster Schools’ GAA and more recently the the outstanding contribution that schools and individuals Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association. These make in inspiring and encouraging our young people. partnerships allow us to play our part alongside teachers and We believe that if children and young people are encouraged coaches in nurturing and developing sporting talent. and supported to learn about money and personal finance On behalf of everyone at Danske Bank, I would like to from an early age, it not only benefits them later in life but congratulate all those nominated this evening and wish you all also contributes to a more healthy economy and society. That the very best. is why we developed our SMART programme which supports children and young people in becoming financially confident. Aisling Press, Our SMART Junior programme is specifically designed to Head of Branch Banking, Danske Bank introduce the topic of money to Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 @PressAisling and Key Stage 2 pupils. And our SMART Partnership for post- @DanskeBank_UK

Photography: Mark Jones, Thomas McMullan, Design: Scott Silver. This supplement is published by Belfast Media Group. Copies are available in pdf downloadable format at www.belfastmediagroup.com. For additional print copies call Jacqueline O’Donnell on (048) 9060 6850 or email [email protected]

2 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 3 Robert Smith Ashgrove Primary School

School website: www.ashgroveprimary.com Subject : Principal. Your place of birth: Newtownards. Studied at: Stranmillis University College First job: Zookeeper in Belfast Zoo! What it taught me: They say you should never work with children or animals... I have done both... and loved it! My favourite part of this particular job was feeding the marmoset monkeys, they have an amazing appetite for Mandy Barnes grapes but are shy, anxious creatures. Working with these Karen Owens beautiful animals taught me the importance of building Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin relationships based on trust and kindness, not acting too St Michael's Primary School quickly and taking your time to get to know others. School website: bunscoilbheannmhadagain.weebly.com Family/status: I have no children. School website: www.stmichaelsps.com Subject: Nurture Room/Rang a hAon. Best advice anyone ever gave you: Throughout my career I Subject : Primary. Your place of birth: Belfast. have benefited from many wonderful pieces of advice, some Your place of birth: Belfast. Studied at: University of Ulster. of which I did not realise of the significance of until years Studied at: University of Ulster. First job: Grundig Manufacturing Company. later. On reflection, when I was a beginning teacher the First job: Saturday job at Boots Chemist in Belfast. What it taught me: The importance of getting to work on advice I valued most was the advice I wanted to hear. What it taught me: It introduced me to working with the time. However, as time passed and once I got in to the field of public and equipped me with life skills that I've put to good Family/status: Married, three children, three grandchildren. leadership I realised that one piece of advice stood out quite use in my years as a teacher. It also allowed me to meet Best advice anyone ever gave you: Take life one day at a a bit, this came from a very experienced Principal. people from other communities living here in N. Ireland, time. "At some time throughout the day you need to stop. which wasn't so easy back in the seventies. I loved having Best advice you could give someone thinking of a There will always be emails to answer, calls to make and my own money and being able to buy my own clothes and teaching career: Always have a sense of humour and make paperwork to complete. Stop and reflect on what makes the even taught me to put something away for a rainy day which sure every child feels important. job so special and worthwhile – take stock on your values has proved useful in the intervening years. and the difference you make to others. Remember to spend Family/status: Married with four adult children and three have been working in schools for 32 years. I started time with those you care for, set time aside to take care of grandchildren working in Holy Cross Boys in Ardoyne in 1985 for two others and yourself." Best advice anyone ever gave you: Don't judge anyone weeks' sick cover and ended up staying there for ten years. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Not always easy IWhen I moved house from North to West Belfast, I worked in teaching career: Easy... love your job! And if you don't love advice to put into action but definitely worth trying to follow. Scoil na Fuiseoige in Twinbrook for around six years. Then, it – move on to something else. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a when all my children had left school, I started working full- teaching career: See every child as an individual with time in Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagáin. obert Smith is the Principal of Ashgrove Primary potential to fill and remember that no two homes are the My children attended Bunscoil Phobal Feirste and Coláiste School, Newtownabbey. He has almost 20 years same... so in school some rules are important to keep but Feirste. Two of my daughters are now teachers and my other teaching experience in a range of schools and in a most rules can be bent to suit a child's circumstances. daughter is a dental nurse. My grand-daughter attends Teach Rvariety of leadership and classroom roles. Mhamó, an Irish-medium crèche on the Glen Road. I have Robert left Stranmillis University College with a fter completing my science degree I worked for a year experienced the benefits of Irish-medium education with my specialism in Art. He spent many happy years in Lambeg in Belfast Tech before marrying and having four own family and am privileged to be part of other children's Primary School teaching a composite P4/7 class (one children, two boys and two girls. As a qualified success through immersion in Irish from a young age. inspector commented: “If you can teach this range of ability Aswimming teacher I taught swimming at a club that my I enjoy my job because our school is a community school you can teach anywhere!”). children attended and discovered a love for teaching young and I feel part of something special. Working with young Having spent some time in Belvoir Park Primary School children. I then returned to full time study for a year with children in Rang a hAon and more recently in the Nurture he moved on to become Vice Principal of Bushmills four children still at primary school and completed my PGCE Room (An Tearmann) has been very rewarding and I feel that Primary – this school marked the beginning of his at St Mary's University College. The following year I attended I learn something new every day. I have completed NVQ 2 leadership career. While here, he benefited greatly from the an interview In St Michael's PS and have been teaching and NVQ 3 in childcare, a teaching assistant's course and a mentorship of the Principal, Jack Gault, and Liz McParland there ever since. In 2006 I was diagnosed with breast cancer diploma in Irish while working as a classroom assistant. I from the Education Authority. and had to take a year off school while I went through am currently working with our school team and other Passionate about education and leadership, he moved to treatment. Thankfully, I made a full recovery and returned to schools in Belfast to develop nurture education. a teaching Principal post in Ballyhenry Primary School, work the following year and have been teaching Primary 1 Nurture education is new to Irish-medium schools in the while here his leadership was described as “outstanding” by since then. I love teaching the little ones and feel it is a real north and I look forward to watching it flourish in the years ETI. Robert now has the privilege of being the Principal of privilege to work with children as they embark on their ahead. Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí. the wonderful boys and girls of Ashgrove Primary School. education.

4 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 5 T HE 20 18 BLACKBOAR D AWARD S Jody Mussen Martin Moreland Orla Rodgers St Joseph's Carryduff Mercy College De La Salle College, Belfast

School website: http://www.stjosephscarryduff.com/ Subject: Principal. School website: www.delasallecollege.org.uk Subject: Primary. Your place of birth: Belfast. Subject: Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator. Your place of birth: Kilcoo, Co. Down. Studied at: St Mary's College/QUB. and Home Economics teacher. Studied at: St Mary's University College Belfast First job: Mechanical engineer. Your place of birth: Belfast. First job: Tesco. What it taught me: Working in engineering, provided me Studied at: Queen's University Belfast. What it taught me: Getting my first job at 16 taught me the with my first opportunity of getting to know people from First job: English Language Assistant in College Tiraqueau, value of money and the need to have a solid work ethic. It different backgrounds. This taught me the importance of Fontenay-Le-Comte in France. pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop respecting and valuing difference. Developing good working What it taught me: It taught me survival, and to stand on my the confidence to communicate effectively with members of relationships with colleagues and working in a team helped own two feet. The importance of family and friends – contact and the public. me to recognise the importance of pooling skills and support from home was vital despite no mobile phones, email or Family/status: Engaged to Finvola. knowledge in order to produce the most effective solutions. face-time. I realised the little things are the significant things, Best advice anyone ever gave you: I always remember my Family/status: Married with children. such as a gentle word of encouragement, and I've never father (who was also my year head in St Colman's College Best advice anyone ever gave you: The best advice given forgotten this as a teacher. It also showed me the importance of Newry) preaching: "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." It is to me was by my wife (then girlfriend), who suggested I give the sharing of food and embracing new cultures. something that has always stuck with me and I now find up my engineering job to return to full-time study as an I discovered the importance of travel and all the possibilities myself using this exact phrase with the children in school. adult learner. Since witnessing students graduating from out there. Education gave me the chance to travel and I Best advice you could give someone thinking of a Queen’s University as a young boy, my secret dream of travelled extensively during this year and gained the teaching career: Children should always be at the heart of going to university seemed like a complete impossibility for confidence that ensues as a result of that. Ultimately it taught every decision you make. They are the most important somebody like me, who left school with no qualifications. me the power of communication, using language, both spoken element of a school and they need to feel safe, valued and Although my apprenticeship in engineering enabled me to and unspoken, and the power of connection with pupils and cared for. Give them the best opportunities and use your gain vocational qualifications, I thought that going to colleagues – a nod, a look or a kind word. talents for their benefit. Never be too proud to learn from university was beyond my capacity. My wife, Rosie, told me Family/status: Married to Philip Rodgers since 2004. those you are teaching and let your inner child come out; about the Certificate in Foundation Studies that would Best advice anyone ever gave you: The best advice I ever school and learning needs to be fun and enjoyable for enable me to get into university. This completely changed received was that given to me by my mummy and daddy when everyone. You need to be adaptable, needs change quickly the course of my life, enabling me to get a place in St I went to school: "You can only do your best and your best is in the classroom and you need to be able to change to meet Mary's Teacher Training College to train as a Technology and good enough for us.” This always motivated me to try my those needs. If teaching is what you really want to do, then Design teacher. hardest. I have applied this standard to my teaching. I can only go for it! Best advice you could give someone thinking of a ask every boy that I encounter in De La Salle to achieve teaching career: Don't go into teaching as a job. Go into everything that he himself is capable of at that particular time was born and raised in Kilcoo, Co. Down, where Gaelic teaching to inspire others and make a positive difference in and given his personal circumstances. games and the Irish language are at the heart of the their lives. You should always be prepared to learn from Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching community. I attended St Malachy’s Primary, Kilcoo, and your students and don't take yourself too seriously. If you career: It's not a career for the faint-hearted! It is a calling for Ithen transferred to St Colman's College in Newry. Coming respect your pupils, they will respect you. And, most someone who is prepared to make a positive contribution to a from a family of teachers I decided to also pursue a career importantly, treat them as you would like to be treated. young person's life. A sense of humour, patience, kindness, in teaching and progressed to St Mary's University College ability to use words to build young people up and bucketloads Belfast. am 52 years old and married to Rosie for 28 years. We of energy are all necessary. Above all, there will be those Having a passion for Irish culture, I have been lucky to have 10 children, ranging from 27 years to 12 years. After defining magical moments when you realise that you have be involved with Cumann na mBunscoil An Dúin, Campa leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, I got a job as made a difference in a child's life, and that more than Chormaic An Dúin and Glór Uachtar Tíre, where we aim to Ian apprentice diesel fitter. At the age of 24, I left work to compensates for the hours spent on paper work. promote a love of our culture and games amongst the return to full-time study. On completion of the Certificate in youth. I am also involved in coaching in Gaelic football in Foundation Studies, I was accepted into St Mary's Teacher orn a twin in West Belfast to Paddy and Imelda Heatley, Kilcoo GAC. On completion of my B.Ed degree I obtained a Training College. I graduated in 1993 and got my first the youngest of six children, by five minutes! I received teaching post in St Mary's Portaferry and Gaelscoil na teaching post in St Colm's High School, Twinbrook. my education in the West of the city. I left Belfast in 1996 mBeann for a year. In 1995, I took on the role of Head of the Technology and Bto work in France before mobile phones and face-time. I I then moved to St. Joseph's Carryduff and am now in Design department and several years later, I became faculty realised the importance of family, friends, letter writing, the my fourth year there. I am currently a primary seven teacher head and moved into the Senior Leadership Team as Key public phone box and a weekly food parcel from home! On my and am involved in the coaching of Gaelic football and the Stage leader. During this time, I took on a part-time Masters return I completed my degree and PGCE. I joined De La Salle teaching of the Irish language as extra-curricular activities. of Education at QUB, which I successfully completed in College in 1999 as a French teacher. In 2009 I qualified as a In each of these schools I have worked with great teachers 2000. Of particular interest to me were the modules in Home Economics teacher. I have a real passion for cooking and and fantastic principals, learning from each and every one Trauma in Children and Education in Divided Societies. After for eating out. In the past five years I have been working as the of them. I'm a great believer in education being a channel successfully completing the Professional Qualification for SENCO in the Learning Support Department. I don't give up on for change and I feel privileged to be part of that change for Headship in 2006, I took up position as Principal of Mercy any child and the stubborn part of me won’t rest until I find a children. College in 2009. way to help each child access what De La Salle has to offer them, whether it's time out in the sensory room, a listening ear, or assigning them the support of a very special classroom assistant. I continue to learn so much and to be inspired by the pupils and staff in my department. I have found my niche.

6 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 7 Joanne Currie Katrina Moore Cairnshill Primary School School Website: www.cairnshillps.co.uk Malone Integrated College Subject: Principal. Your place of birth: Belfast. School website: [email protected] Studied at: Newtownbreda High, Wellington College, Subject: Geography/Travel and Tourism/Vice-Principal. Stranmillis University College. Your place of birth: Dungannon, Co. Tyrone. First job: Euston Street Primary School. Studied at: University of Ulster, Coleraine. What it taught me: This job initially taught me everything I First job: Dishwasher in restaurant. Paul Gault needed to know about teaching children with varying needs What it taught me: How to manage my time and how and abilities. It taught me to think about children who come important it is to show willing and work hard. It is easy to Christian Brothers' School Belfast to school with lots of emotional conflict and instability at give up and say ‘I can’t do this’ but with determination and home. School can be a constant in children's lives and a perseverance you can achieve anything you want to – with a School Website: www.cbsglenroad.com teacher can be one of the most important influences they smile on your face. That is especially important in teaching Subject: History, Sociology and LLW. come across. Some children need to have a good role model as you are a role model for so many young people who look Your place of birth: Belfast. in their lives and to feel respected and valued by the teacher up to you and need you to help them see how amazing their Studied at: CBS, Queen's University Belfast. is paramount. futures can be with a ‘can-do attitude’. First job: A student job as a sales assistant in a local Family/status: Married. Family/status: Married. supermarket. Best advice anyone ever gave you: Everyone is important. Best advice anyone ever gave you: ‘Head up, shoulders What it taught me: I learned the value of money earned. It School is a wonderful place to be if everyone who is there is back and take no prisoners’ – this is my motto and mantra was great to work as part of a really big team. Working well valued and respected. School is about everyone who works in life with the students and staff. I am in such a privileged with others stood me in good stead for a teaching career. I there and without all pulling together for the good of the position to help and inspire so many and if I can do it with a learned that everyone with different skills and personalities children then the school will not function to its full potential. smile on my face, all the better. can make a contribution to achieving a goal. It is like a Jenga puzzle with all staff members having an Best advice you could give someone thinking of a Family/status: Married to Anne for 12 years. equally important role, i.e. cleaners, kitchen staff, caretaker, teaching career: Go for it but make sure you want to do Best advice anyone ever gave you: Treat other people the teacher, classroom assistant and Principal. this... it is a wonderful job and a privilege to be allowed to way you would like to be treated. I try to remember that Best advice you could give someone thinking of a spend time with the kids and hopefully have some kind of advice every day, whether in school or my personal life. teaching career: Every child is good at something. Take impact on their lives. It’s not always an easy job but when Simple acts of kindness, understanding and patience can time to really get to know the child and soon you will you have the good days and see the kids do well and mean a lot to someone else, even when you don't feel like it. discover what they need from you. Teachers have a huge achieve, then it’s all worthwhile. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a role in the life of a child – both positively and negatively – teaching career: Do it. Go for it. It's a wonderful job. No two make sure that you care enough about each individual that fter graduating from University of Ulster Coleraine, I days are the same. Children have the ability to delight, you get to know them. taught in Claudy and Derry City for eight years, before amaze and challenge in equal measure. If you are as moving to Belfast when Malone College opened in passionate about a subject as I am about History, then it is grew up in the Newtownbreda area of Belfast and went to A1997. I was very lucky and fortunate to be one of the amazing to have the opportunity to enthuse young people Newtownbreda Primary School. Following primary school, founding staff of the school and 20 years later, I’m still here. about it every day. Knowing that you have helped to improve I went to Newtownbreda High School and then to I started teaching Geography and was also SENCO for a few a young person's life chances is a thrill. IWellington College. After finishing teacher training at years. I became Vice-Principal in 2001 and today I’m the Stranmillis University College I began my teaching career at only VP in the school, responsible for all pastoral and am a West Belfast boy. I was born and raised in Divis and I Euston Street PS. I spent 12 wonderful years there teaching curricular matters. I have completed my Masters in have lived and worked in Belfast all my life, apart from a mainly P6 and co-ordinating many subjects including PE, Education and the PQH (NI). short period teaching in Downpatrick. I began teaching in ICT and History. I was then fortunate enough to be I am presently chair of the Pastoral Leaders group for I1995 after graduating from Queen’s, where I studied History appointed as Principal of Euston Street in September 2012. SBALC, the Curricular leaders group for SBALC and for the and Politics. I began working as a substitute teacher in my After spending four and a half years as Principal there, I was past two years I’ve had the privilege of chairing NICIE APTIS old school CBS. It was incredible to go back to my old appointed as Principal of Cairnshill PS in January 2017. I Vice- Principal group. These opportunities allow me to school to teach and it was fantastic to get a permanent have enjoyed both roles enormously and have benefited improve the experiences and choices that I am then able to teaching post there a few years later. I have taught in CBS greatly from the experiences in both schools. offer to the students in my care – who are the most now for 22 years and I have had the privilege of having I am married to Leon and have two wonderful children, important part of this. I love working in Malone which is experienced the school from a myriad of perspectives: as a Noah and Daniel. I am blessed with a fantastic family and such a busy and vibrant place, full of a diverse mix of pupil, as a student teacher and as a full-time member of the love the job that I do. Children are the centre of everything students and staff. I am happy to say that I smile most days teaching staff. It is my home away from home. The pupils and I really want to make a difference in the lives of all because of something the students have said to me or are often amazed to discover I am a past pupil and I hope I children in my care. I am driven by opportunity to change because of the pleasure it is to work with such fantastic and contribute in some small way to raising their aspirations. the lives of children in a positive way by developing their committed staff – their daily determination to help the The buzz in the school is amazing and we are going from self-confidence and esteem alongside high standards of students is amazing. strength to strength. education.

8 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS Claire Robinson Holy Evangelists’ Primary School or to know the answer to every question David Bell and Nursery Unit when it comes to education and every day I get to experience moments of brilliance in School website: www.holyev.co.uk the classrooms of my colleagues, during CBS Glen Road Subject: Principal class visits I see practice which I wish I had Your place of birth: Belfast used back in my teaching days. I truly believe School website: www.CBSglenroad.com Studied at: Rathmore Grammar School and every day in a school is a new day of Subject : Maths, then St Mary's University College Belfast learning, even for myself. That is the power of Your place of birth: Belfast. First job: Teacher in Holy Trinity Girls' teaching – if you keep your eyes open you Studied at: Rathmore. Primary School Belfast. will always learn something new. First job: Curleys off-sales. What it taught me: I began my teaching Best advice you could give someone What it taught me: The value of hard work. I worked there for seven years throughout my career in Holy Trinity Girls' Primary School in thinking of a teaching career: Teaching isn't studies and made friends that I'm still close with to this day. I also learned over 1000 different 1996, which amalgamated with the boys' just a 9 to 5 job, where you get to go home wines and beers. school in 2000. During my years in the two every day and not think of work until 9 the Family/status: Married with one daughter. schools, I worked alongside so many teachers next morning. Teaching is just like being a Best advice anyone ever gave you: To learn from mistakes made. To never give up and never and principals to whom I owe a lot of thanks. parent, we worry about the children, they be afraid to try something new. Their dedication, patience and passion for the give us sleepless nights, we think about how Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Teachers are learners children of West Belfast was heart-warming, I we can support them, make learning fun, too and our education is never complete. Always endeavour to try new things in the learnt to value the need to have strong help them overcome the challenges and help classroom. Never reach a point in your career where you believe you've nothing more to learn relationships with the children's families and make them good citizens. I once watched a as a teacher. parents, to know every child's background Youtube clip from Educationalist Rita Pierson story, their family circumstances and to that had a great impact on me personally. eaching from 2011. I taught in CBS, Corpus and De La Salle. I also taught in refugee always ensure you make the time to talk to Rita believed that "Every child deserves a camps in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. I teach community-based classes in Mount parents, not to give lip service, but to listen to champion, an adult who will never give up on TEagles, Turf Lodge, Divis, Shankill and Tullymore for GCSE maths. In CBS I take the Year them. If relationships are strong it can and them, who understands the power of 12 soccer team, art club, drama and run the community clean-up scheme. CBS Art Club were does impact so positively on the children. connection and insists they become the best winners of the Environment Award for their Suicide Awareness Banner. CBS pupils were also I also learnt that as a teacher, one must be that they can possibly be." Rita made another awarded with an Environment Award for their clean-up scheme, ‘Making Our Communities a ambitious for every single child in your care, insightful point – if you don't like children, Better Place’. I also work with young people with special needs on a cross-community basis we must believe that every child can achieve then teaching isn't the right job for you. She with Kids in Control drama, we perform regularly in the Lyric Theatre. I am a Maths teacher and will achieve if we give them our time, stated: "Kids don't learn from people they and will strive to ensure my pupils always do their best, but what's most important to me is think up creative ways to help them learn, to don't like!" that they learn to love their communities and do their best help others and lead by example. ensure we give them all the skills so they can "Be the change you want to see in the world.” reach their potential and flourish as learners. grew up in West Belfast in the 1970s and Teachers are there to ensure we fully prepare attended John the Baptist Girls' Primary each child with the skills to cope in the ISchool. I went on to Rathmore Grammar outside world. School, where I had seven amazing years. I The Board of Governors, Principal, Family/status: Married with two daughters, had a love for drama and performing and staff, pupils and parents Grace aged 13 and Nell aged 10. Both have took part in many a school production and it been educated in Holy Evangelists' Primary, was at this stage I met the teacher who would like to congratulate something of which I am very proud. would inspire me to consider becoming a Mr Paul Gault and Mr David Bell Best advice anyone ever gave you: My dad teacher when I left school. Mrs Diana Press was a teacher and then school inspector for taught me English from first year until Upper on their nomination for a many years, I admired his professionalism Sixth, she taught with such passion, Blackboard Award. greatly and hope that I have become the enthusiasm and grace and I always said if I teacher and principal that he wished me to became a teacher I would aim to be just like For the 6th consecutive year, be. He has always supported me no matter her in a classroom – that is still a work in a member of staff in CBS has been the path I have gone down, given me the progress. I started teaching in Holy Trinity nominated for this Award. belief that no challenge is too great and that I Girls' Primary and became Vice Principal of have the ability and drive to succeed. He is St Luke's Primary in Twinbrook and then Well done and good luck from always the little voice on my shoulder, when I became Principal. In 2015 I became Principal everyone in CBS, where need advice and I always ask myself, "What of Holy Evangelists' Primary School and would dad do or what would he say?" and Nursery Unit after St Luke's and St Mark's First Choice is Best Choice that always seems to solve the problem. Primaries amalgamated. Every day I feel so As a beginner teacher I recall being told honoured to work in a school with such a to always ask yourself would you want your dedicated and hard working staff, it is a Christian Brothers’ School child sitting in your classroom? And that has pleasure to work with the children in our care always been my mantra. I think as a and to get to watch them grow in confidence Glen Road, Belfast BT11 8BW practitioner I have always been self-critical, as learners and to see their natural talents always reflecting on my teaching and come alive in class, at weekly assemblies, T: (028) 90808050 • E: [email protected] leadership skills. I don't profess to be perfect, concerts and school shows.

THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 9

Corpus Christi College person’s development. You can make a real difference in their lives. Teachers who love teaching teach children to School website: www.corpus-christi-college.co.uk love learning. Subject: Home Economics. s a child I was particularly interested in cooking and Your place of birth: Banbridge. sport. My grandmother was an amazing cook and Studied at: University of Ulster Jordanstown. First job: Volunteer community leader. baker. So I imagine it was in my blood to pursue a cAareer that involved cooking. I never believed I would be a What it taught me: I volunteered at New Lodge Community teacher. Although my mother was one, I believed I couldn't Family Centre in Belfast. I have very fond memories of the be, as I was very shy and speaking in public filled me with families and children I met there. They were warm, friendly fear. However, when I attended the Sacred Heart Grammar and, despite their daily struggles, positivity , strength and School in Newry I developed my confidence and also a community spirit always shone through. It encouraged me passion for cooking through Home Economics classes. I to pursue a career in helping others and my role taught me found my voice learning this subject. No matter how small attitude is as important as aptitude. To listen and be the steps, I always believed I had learned something truly compassionate. To treat all members of our society with beneficial after every Home Economics class.

respect. I was and still am grateful for the many By completing a BA Honours in Consumer Studies and a opportunities I had for learning and to try and make a PGCE in Home Economics at the University of Ulster I gained positive difference to other people’s lives. further confidence in myself and my ability to educate and Family/status: In a relationship. inspire others. Best advice anyone ever gave you: Be true to yourself, In 1997 I joined Corpus Christi College teaching Home follow your dreams and never give up. I have incredibly Economics to boys. I worked hard to help educate the pupils supportive and loving parents who have always instilled in in my care. Every day I faced new challenges. I became me the importance of self-worth, determination and Head of Department in 2004 and worked to create new and humility. I am extremely grateful for their continued interest exciting initiatives for my pupils. As a result my and advice. department’s and the pupils’ achievements have gone from

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a strength to strength. I beam with pride every time I learn teaching career: Start as you mean to go on. Commit that a past pupil has made a great success of themselves, yourself to getting to know and understand each individual and it delights me to know that many are responsible for child for who they are. Each child in your care is unique. It is some of the finest dining experiences not only here in your job to believe in them. To encourage, praise and mould Northern Ireland but further afield too. them into the best versions of themselves. Don't be afraid to Developing life long skills to create opportunities for our ask for help from your peers. Learn to become organised. young people is at the core of my teaching and I am Have a strong work ethic and put yourself in situations that extremely proud of all my pupils’ successes. challenge you. Teaching is a very worthwhile profession, I have learned so much from my pupils. They inspire me your day is varied. You have an opportunity to teach the to give them my best. I can truly say I love teaching. It’s subject you are passionate about every day. Be patient, kind definitely a very worthwhile and humbling profession. I am and respectful to everyone whom you work with and for. grateful to be able to teach the subject I am most

Listen to your pupils. You don't need to raise your voice to passionate about every day and hugely thankful for the be heard. Inspire them, teach from the heart and have fun. many opportunities and experiences the pupils and staff of Kerry Legge You have the privilege of making a commitment to a young Corpus Christi College have given me throughout my career.

St Clare’s Primary School

School website: www.stclaresps.com Subject : Literacy. Your place of birth: Belfast. Studied at: St Mary’s University College. First job: St John’s PS. What it taught me: Work hard, stay humble and reach for the stars. Family/status: Mother of two sons, Jack (9) and Charlie (7). TThehe BBoardoard ooff GGovernors,overnors, SStafftaff aandnd PPupilsupils ccongratulateongratulate Best advice anyone ever gave you: It’s nice to be nice. Mr Dan McGivern My mother’s strapline –I Kerry Legge always try to pass it on to all my students. oonn hhiser nominationnomination forfor thethe BlackboardBlackboard AAwards.wards. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a We wish him success and we are delighted to celebrate teaching career: Be prepared We wish her success and we are delighted to celebrate to work hard, persistence and tthishis aawardward aalongsidelongside tthehe nnumerousumerous ootherther rrecentecent ssuccessesuccesses dedication will get you for Corpus Christi College. results. Get to know what for Corpus Christi College. makes your students tick and encourage them to be the best that they can be. have been teaching for 20 years now and I am very fortunate to work in the area wIhere my family is from. This means the world to me. I am now at the stage in my career where my past pupils’ children are in my class, this is also very so special to me as I love keeping in contact with the children I have worked with and seeing them grow into young adults. A big Helena Kelly passion of mine is reading and I try to pass on my love of literature to the pupils. I also love teaching drama and enjoy making memories with the children producing our school shows every year. 10 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS

Seán Mac Corraidh

Bunscoil Phobal Feirste impact to a child's life, and seeing them progress throughout the year makes the job very rewarding and School website: www.bunscoilphobalfeirste.com satisfying. Every day brings a new challenge, which Subject: Primary Education. makes the job fun and exciting. Your place of birth: Béal Feirste. Studied at: UUJ. attended Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, Coláiste Feirste and St First job: Loughshore ERC. Mary’s CBGS. I graduated from UUJ in 2011 with a Sports What it taught me: The importance of building IStudies degree. I completed a PGCE in 2012, specialising relationships within the school and that a simple, kind in Physical Education and Irish Medium Education, also in word or smile means everything to a child. Teaching in a UUJ. I spent a year teaching in Loughshore ERC, before school where the children had ESB difficulties helped me making the transition to primary education. I taught in develop various teaching strategies which were unique to Bunscoil Eoin Baiste and in Gaelscoil Aodha Rua before that learning environment and have stood by me being appointed in Bunscoil Phobal Feirste. I enjoy throughout my career. playing Gaelic games with my club St Paul’s and I’m Family/status: No children, in a relationship. currently working to establish Laochra Loch Lao as an Best advice anyone ever gave you: "Practice makes independent GAC. I’m also a keen musician and enjoy perfect!" Words of wisdom from my old handball coach, playing Irish traditional music. I try to bring as much Mary Lindsay, a real hero of the game here in Belfast. Be it music to the classroom as possible, I believe that music is in sport, music or indeed teaching, I try to better myself a communication far more powerful than words. every day. Any teacher will tell you that all their learning The Irish language is a central part of my life. I was was done when they started on teaching practice. raised in a bilingual household and have a real passion Best advice you could give someone thinking of a and love for the language. I try to pass this passion on in teaching career: Go for it! It is a surreal feeling going my teaching in a persuasive manner and thrive on helping home every evening knowing you've made a positive to give all children the chance to succeed in life.

COMHGHAIRDEAS LEAT A SHEÁIN AS A BHEITH AINMNITHE DON GHRADAM. GUÍONN FOIREANN BHUNSCOIL PHOBAL FEIRSTE GACH RATH ORT AR AN OÍCHE!

11 Páirc Rosgoill, Bóthar Seoighe, Béal Feirste BT11 9QS Guthán: 028 90301 598 [email protected] www.bunscoilphobalfeirste.com

THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 11 Pat Cavanagh Danielle Hegarty Nicola Gunn

Malone College St Louise's Comprehensive College Botanic Primary School

School website: www.malonecollege.org.uk School website: www.stlouises.org.uk School website: www.botanicprimaryschool.com Subject : Physical Education and Senior Leadership Team. Subject : Physical Education. Subject: Primary and Coordinator of Extended Schools, Your place of birth: Belfast. Your place of birth: Enniskillen. International Schools and Eco Schools/ Studied at: University of Ulster at Jordanstown. Studied at: University of Ulster Jordanstown. Your place of birth: Belfast First job: Part-time Marks and Spencer Belfast. First Job: Waitressing and cleaning chalets in Tír Studied at: Queen's University Belfast and University of What it taught me: I was still at school so it taught me how Navar Holiday Village, Derrygonnelly. Warwick. important time management was in balancing work and school What it taught me: It taught me the value of hard First job: Sales assistant, Gordon's Chemist. life. Working in a department and dealing with the public helped work and the importance of teamwork and strong What it taught me: How to calculate 80% of just about me with communication and interacting with customers. A few of communications skills when dealing with people. anything. Staff received 20% discount and I spent my my family had already been working there so I knew I had to Family/status : Married with three wonderful young days planning how to spend my wages. There's only so work hard. children. much perfume one person can possibly use but it never Family/status : Married to Ciara and have three children: Ryan, Best advice anyone ever gave you: Go the extra mile seemed to stop me. On a more serious note, how to treat Rory and Ruby. in everything you do, and always have high people with courtesy and respect, and how to work as a Best advice anyone ever gave you: My parents taught me to expectations. team. “Always be respectful to others and treat people as I would want Best advice you could give someone thinking of a Family/status: Single. to be treated”. This is important and has helped me both in teaching career: Get some experience working with Best advice anyone ever gave you: Do what you love. teaching and life. In teaching, pupils may not always remember children and if you enjoy it, go for it. Teaching is a Best advice you could give someone thinking of a what you said but will remember how you said it. Treating vocation as well as a career – it’s hard work but very teaching career: Teaching is a demanding profession but students with respect and giving encouragement will go along rewarding. Treat the pupils as you would like your it is also an immense privilege. Be passionate, enjoy what way in getting the best from them. own family to be treated. You have the ability to make you do and never forget that everyone has the ability to Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching a real difference to young people’s lives. learn and succeed. Tell your pupils how important they career: Two bits of advice would be to surround yourself with are on a regular basis and make sure their voices are positive people and never think you have to have all the answers. heard. Take time to learn from them and from other Teaching is a fantastic profession and you have the ability to wanted to be a PE teacher from an early age. I’ve always been very sporty and played Gaelic for teachers who inspire you. Continue to seek out new change pupils’ lives. Every day brings new opportunities but also learning experiences and challenge yourself to try new Derrygonnelly and Fermanagh and soccer for challenges and sometimes the challenges take centre stage. It’s approaches. Value and respect you every child and parent IFermanagh Ladies and Northern Ireland Senior important to have a good team around you who are positive and you meet. look more for solutions and not problems. Ladies. I studied Sport, Exercise and Leisure, and PGCE PE at UUJ. I played Gaelic and soccer I remember when I first started teaching I thought I had to graduated from Queen's University in 2008, having representing the Northern Ireland Universities soccer have all the answers to any given situation but quickly realised studied French and Sociology. Soon after, I began team. that asking for advice and support is essential if you are to grow working for an organisation called Springboard I started my teaching career in Mount Lourdes, as a teacher. Teaching is a lifelong learning experience and you IOpportunities – initially carrying out research and Enniskillen, and worked in the NEELB and St Joseph’s need to be ready to adapt your skills and knowledge when administrative work before moving into youth work. I will College before joining St Louise’s five years ago. I am required. always feel incredibly grateful for this time and to have very lucky to be part of a great PE department at a been surrounded by passionate and innovative colleagues port is something I always wanted to be involved in and brilliant school. St Louise’s focuses on the individual who were deeply committed to improving the chances of during my time at De La Salle I had a really positive needs of our pupils and the results our students have the young people with whom we worked. Around the Sexperience with the PE department that shaped my future. I achieved are a testament to the dedication of all of same period, I also volunteered with organisations went on to study Sport at UUJ followed by my PGCE in PE. I the staff and the leadership of our Principal. As including 'Voice of Young People in Care' and the 'Belfast started my teaching career in 1998 in St Patrick’s Lisburn as head teachers, I believe we have a responsibility to Migrant Centre,' both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. of boys PE before moving on to Malone College in 2001. This was encourage our pupils to aim high, not only to work Together, these experiences led me to believe that I like a homecoming as I grew up in Orchardville and spent many hard and achieve academically, but more importantly should retrain as a primary school teacher, a decision I years playing on the very grounds where Malone College is built. to develop themselves to be the best person they can am very glad to have made. I have taught at Botanic I have been in the school now for almost 17 years (time does fly) be. Sport can be an excellent way for pupils to escape Primary School since 2014 and during this time have led as a teacher of PE, head of year and for the past six years a from pressures, whether from academic or personal Eco Schools, International Schools and, more recently, member of the senior leadership team.. life. Sport helps young people to develop skills and Extended Schools, as well as teaching Primary 2. I have Outside of school I have been fortunate to be involved in build their self-confidence, benefiting them worked alongside our Eco Committee to gain our playing and coaching both football and Gaelic since the age of throughout their lives. Sustrans Bronze Award, a fourth Green Flag and first prize 10. I have met some fantastic people as players and coaches and I am particularly proud of the success of St in the ‘Wheelie Big Challenge’. I am also proud that we the opportunities it has brought me is amazing. Louise’s soccer teams and I am leading our work have once again been accredited with the British Council Teaching was always my only choice of occupation and I am towards achieving the IFA Schools Football Quality ‘International Schools Award’. I love being a teacher and privileged to work in a great school with some fantastic teachers. Mark. Outside of school, I try to spend as much time having the opportunity to be part of our pupils’ The journey that Malone College is on makes each day exciting as possible with my three young children and my educational journey for a short time. I don’t think I will and in our 20-year anniversary I am very proud of all the work husband, and have recently starting back playing ever cease to be amazed by their talent, kindness and that goes on by staff and the achievements of all the students. Gaelic at the ‘Gaelic for Mums’ at St Brigid’s GAC. potential.

12 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS St.Comprehensive Louise’s College, Belfast TheWe B olookard forward of G otov ewelcomingrnors, P Primaryrincip 6a land, S tPrimaryaff an 7d girls Stu anddents Congstudentsratu lwishingate toM transferrs D to ouran Sixthie lForm,le Hto ouregarty on her Blackboard Award. ThursdayOPENPrincipal’s Address 11th at NIGHT4.30 January pm and 6.30 2018 pm

Step into a Bright Future

St. Louise’s Comprehensive College 468 Falls Road - Belfast - BT12 6EN Tel: 028 90 325631 | Fax: 028 90 269600 Email: [email protected] | www.stlouises.org.uk THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 13

Jacqueline Mallon Maureen Dowds Bethlehem Nursery School Glengormley High School

Subject : Nursery/Principal. School website: www.glengormleyhigh.com Geraldine Davey Your place of birth: Belfast. Subject : Physics. Studied at: St Louise's Comprehensive College, Your place of birth: Ballymena. St Mary's University College. Studied at: Queens University Belfast. Edmund Rice College First job: Civil servant. First job: Forensic scientist. What it taught me: I don't particularly like office jobs. What it taught me: I had always loved the idea of forensics School website: [email protected] Family/status : Married with two grown-up children and two and was delighted when this opportunity came along. I Subject: Pastoral/Business Studies. beautiful granddaughers learned many skills in this job and met some fantastic Your place of birth: Belfast. Best advice anyone ever gave you: Don't try to do it all people. After some time I then realised I wanted to share Studied at: University of Ulster and St Mary's University yourself. my skills and knowledge with others and what other way to College. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a to it but... teaching. So I reapplied to Queen’s to complete First job: Insurance Underwriter for General Accident teaching career: Be prepared... but don't expect it all to go my PGCE and have never looked back. Insurance. to plan. Expect the unexpected. Family/status: Living with partner. What it taught me: It taught me that this was not the job Best advice anyone ever gave you: Be yourself. for me and that I should go back and retrain for the job I was a mature student, doing my degree after my children Best advice you could give someone thinking of a had always wanted to do, had both started primary school, so I was sure I wanted to teaching career: Make sure you have a passion for the Family/status: Married to Neil and we have one daughter, be a teacher. I love being a nursery school teacher. pupils and your subject. Be prepared that every day will Hannah IChildren of nursery school age never fail to amaze me. It's bring new exciting challenges. Most of all, enjoy! The kids Best advice anyone ever gave you: Listen before you great to be able to help children and their families. It's will only have a passion for the subject if you do. speak. rewarding to be able to work in close partnership with the Best advice you could give someone thinking of a parents in order to help children progress in their have been teaching in Glengormley High School for over teaching career: Make what you do count. development. I am fortunate to lead a fantastic team of ten years now and have seen many changes within experienced and dedicated professionals. Teamwork is very education. One thing remains the same and that is the fter completing a Higher National Diploma in Business important in the nursery sector. Ipupils. My aim is to inspire the minds of kids to have a love and Finance at the University of Ulster I held a number for science and aim to study it after secondary school. I Aof administrative positions in the private sector before started my career as a science teacher, then becoming a returning to education once more to complete my B.Ed. pastoral learning leader. I am now the head of science. My (Hons) at St Mary’s University College. In September 2000, interests include travelling, hill walking canoeing and cats. I began my permanent post at Edmund Rice College and have remained there ever since. Throughout my time at Conor Donnelly Edmund Rice College, I have taught Business Studies, Religion and English but it is my role as Assistant Head of St Joseph’s PS Ballyhackamore Pastoral that has had the greatest impact on me. During this time, so much has changed in the way we OMAGH native Conor Donnelly studied teaching at St care for our students. Identifying the individual pastoral Mary’s University College before landing his first teaching needs of the students is ever more important in the day-to- job in a two-teacher school on a mountainside on the day running of the school. The past seventeen years have Tyrone-Donegal border called Scraghey. There were only 32 seen many highs and a few lows but through it all the pupils in the school and he taught 16 P4s to P7s. The school unending care, compassion and sense of humour from both was a very happy place and a key part of that community staff and students has remained a constant source of but it has closed in recent years. comfort and delight and is something I have no doubt will Conor is now at St Joseph’s Primary School endure for many years to come. The students often ask me Ballyhackamore in East Belfast with most of his teaching do I like teaching and my answer is simply, “Yes, I love my being P6 and P7, although he is currently with P5. In terms job and I would not be anywhere else.” of subjects, he’s a jack of all trades but has a teaching degree in History and an MSc in Computers, so these are particular areas of interest. Former St Joseph’s PS Principal Joe Ryan gave him his best advice – make sure the children come in and go home happy every day. Very simple but great advice, says Conor. He believes school should be a happy place because happy children are far more likely to learn. 14 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS St Michael's Primary School

School website: www.stmichaelsps.com Subject : Primary. Your place of birth: Belfast. Studied at: University of Ulster Coleraine and Liverpool Hope University. First job: St Patrick's Primary School. What it taught me: My first teaching job taught me that I should always put the children at the centre of everything I do. To see each pupil as an individual and to work hard each day to meet their needs. Teaching is a continuously changing profession and it’s important to be willing to open up to other ideas and strategies. I grew so much in confidence there and developed my own teaching style. Most importantly, my first job cemented my belief that I had chosen the right career path. Family/status: Single. Best advice anyone ever gave you: With all the stress that comes with being a teacher, don't forget to have fun and enjoy your children. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Teaching really is a vocation. If you truly love what you do then you will have found one of the best jobs in the world.

rom a very early age, all I had ever wanted to be was a primary teacher. Growing up, I came across some outstanding teachers who motivated and encouraged me to get into teaching. In 2012 I graduated from the University of Ulster Coleraine with a degree in History with Education before moving to Liverpool to Fcomplete a Primary PGCE at Hope University in 2013. During my final teaching practice I secured my first teaching post at St Patrick’s Primary School Belfast. It was the perfect start to my teaching career as I had the opportunity to teach in my former primary school alongside the very teachers who inspired me to take up the vocation. After three years of teaching in North Belfast I was presented with the wonderful opportunity to teach at St Michael’s Primary School Belfast. I am currently in my fourth year of teaching and I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of moving to a new school. I am extremely thankful to have such a fantastic primary two class, with colleagues who have made me feel so welcome and incredibly supportive parents who have nominated me for this award. Conor Carter

(GPXQG5LFH &ROOHJH &RQJUDWXODWLRQV WR0UV*'DYH\ RQ1RPLQDWLRQIRU 2XWVWDQGLQJ Aisling Nic Conmhaoil 3DVWRUDO&DUH Coláiste Feirste y parents made the decision when I was young to send me to Bunscoil Subject: Classroom assistant. MPhobal Feirste and this decision Your place of birth: Béal Feirste. helped to develop my interest in the Irish Studied at: Coláiste Feirste and University of language. After the Bunscoil I attended Ulster Coleraine. Coláiste Feirste and then carried on studying First job: Greenways. Irish at the University of Ulster Coleraine. What it taught me: Working in Greenways After a few years of working as a language benefited me greatly. It taught me that good assistant in a few different schools I applied manners are priceless. It also helped build for a job as a classroom assistant in Coláiste my self-confidence working with such a great Feirste where I have really enjoyed working team. over the past few years. Family/status: Engaged. I have a passion for Gaelic games also Best advice anyone ever gave you: Never and previously played Gaelic football with look down on someone unless you’re helping Lámh Dhearg. I now help to coach the U10 them up. Growing up we were always girls’ team in the club. I was also given the encouraged to help others, whether that be opportunity to help develop the ladies’ Gaelic going to the shop for an elderly neighbour, football in the school when I started working volunteering or just doing small things to here. I have really enjoyed helping the young help others. This advice has helped me players in the club and school develop their greatly in life. skills and mature into the players they are Best advice you could give someone today and I am also excited about helping thinking of a teaching career: Be confident, the next generation of players develop their really enjoy what you do and treat every child skills too. as an individual. It helps to be a creative I am extremely privileged to be given the person. Working in a school is a very opportunities that I’ve been given in life and rewarding and enjoyable experience. hope that I can help create these opportunities for others.

THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 15 Niamh McMillan Hazelwood Integrated Primary School

School website: http://www.hazelwoodips.co.uk Subject : Primary 6 teacher. Your place of birth: Belfast. Maura McNally Studied at: Dominican College, University of Ulster and University of Worcester Holy Cross Girls’ PS First job: Matalan retail store. What it taught me: I began working at Matalan when I was School website: www.holycrossgirls.com 16 and loved every minute of this experience. I learned Subject : Principal during those five years that I really enjoyed speaking to the Jacqui Patterson Your place of birth: Belfast. public, which is a skill that is definitely useful in our Studied at: Holy Cross Girls' PS/St Gemma's High profession. It also taught me to be flexible and organised, to Belfast Boys' Model School School/St Mary's Teacher Training College. develop good interpersonal skills and how to work as part First job: Class teacher in St Gemma's High School. of a team. Unfortunately, most of my wages went full circle School website: https://www.bbms.org.uk What it taught me: My first job taught me to realise that I back to the store as I loved to shop! Subject : ICT/Business Studies/Computing. didn't know everything and I needed to watch and listen to Family/status : Daughter, sister and partner. Your place of birth: Lisburn. the sound advice of those I respected and trusted. I realised Best advice anyone ever gave you: My mentor during my Studied at: University of Ulster and Queens University. that it was important to learn from mistakes and not to give teacher training told me that children will never remember First job: Teacher at Belfast Boys' Model School. up if things didn't go as I expected them to. every word you say in a lesson, but they will always What it taught me: During my time at Belfast Boys' Model Family/status : Married to Francis with three grown-up remember how you made them feel. I try to live by this School, I have become fully aware of what a full-time children, Christine, Stephen and Denise, and one every day, to always make my pupils feel valued, respected teacher really entails. For me it was not just about being a grandchild, Fiadh. and special. teacher in front of a class, but it also involved me being a Best advice anyone ever gave you: I always try to follow Best advice you could give someone thinking of a role model and being compassionate towards my students, my mum's advice: “Treat others as you would like to be teaching career: It is a great privilege and honour to be who they looked up to on a day-to-day basis. Not only did I treated yourself and make everyone feel like someone.” She is a wise woman and a great example for me. given the opportunity to shape the minds of our future. To have to plan for each individual lesson, but each individual Best advice you could give someone thinking of a become a teacher must be your dream and vocation – only pupil’s learning needs and any eventuality that may have teaching career: I would tell anyone who is thinking of teach if you think you an make a difference to someone’s occurred. I learnt that not only would I draw upon my teaching as a career only to go into teaching if you know life and future. subject knowledge but also my life experiences in order to make my teaching more engaging for my students. that is what you want to do. The job is very demanding but Family/status: Single. extremely rewarding. You have the power to change lives attended the University of Ulster, where I studied a and shape the future of the children you teach – don't Best advice anyone ever gave you: Always retain a level Bachelor’s degree in English Literature with Film Studies. waste that power. While at university, I undertook some journalism work for head and always ensure that all aspects of a situation are I identified before approaching a situation. the North Belfast News. Then I completed a Masters in EAL was born and grew up in North Belfast. I attended Holy Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching, which took me to Hungary where I was fortunate Cross Girls' PS and later St Gemma's High School before enough to work in a Hungarian high school. I later gained a teaching career: Make sure you are truly a born teacher moving on to third level education at St Mary's Teacher PGCE from the University of Worcester in 2015. and are passionate about the subject, working with pupils TIraining College, Falls Road (as it was known at that time). When I returned home after various subbing positions, I and readily prepared for changing the lives of young My first job was back in St Gemma's High School teaching was fortunate to join the team at Hazelwood Integrated people. commercial subjects and although I was anxious about Primary School. Recently, I was promoted to Extended teaching in my old post-primary school, I soon came to love Schools Co-ordinator and middle manager, which is an am a teacher at Belfast Boys' Model School and have my job and spent nine very happy years there before important role as Hazelwood is a hub for the whole been working here for the past four years teaching ICT, moving to Holy Cross Girls’ PS. While teaching in the community. It is privilege to teach in a school with such a IComputing and Business Studies. I studied at the primary sector was a very different experience, the support vast variety of pupils from countries all over the world, from University of Ulster Coleraine achieving a 2:1 Honours in of the Principal and staff helped me to adapt quickly and I local communities to places such as Romania and Thailand. Computing with Psychology. I then went on to complete my soon became part of a great team. I took on the role of Vice The integrated ethos is at the core of the school’s values; PGCE at Queen’s University Belfast. I have been teaching Principal and in 2009 became Principal of the school. This visitors frequently comment that Hazelwood IPS feels like five years in total. I spent my first year in Ashfield Girls' was an extremely proud day for me and my family. such a happy and welcoming school and that the boys and High School and then moved on to Belfast Boys' Model. I All my teaching career has been spent in North Belfast girls are so courteous and friendly. have been facilitating Young Enterprise for the past three and it has been a most rewarding experience for me. I love I consider my role a privilege and value the teamwork of years, which I thoroughly enjoy, and have gained the children and am passionate about providing the best the whole staff in helping our children reach their full satisfaction from working with students actively outside of possible educational experiences for the children in my potential. the classroom. 'home' parish.

16 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS Glenlola Collegiate School graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with a BSc Hons degree in Information Management, followed by a PGCE at School website: https://glenlolacollegiate.net Ithe School of Education. My first teaching post was at Subject : Head of ICT. Glengormley High School as an ICT teacher where I quickly Your place of birth: Newtownards. progressed to ICT Co-coordinator. After five years I moved to Studied at: Queen’s University Belfast. Glenlola Collegiate School in Bangor as Head of ICT. First job: Lee factory, Newtownards. It is such an exciting time to teach my subject in Northern What it taught me: My first job taught me the importance of Ireland, as the IT industry is the fastest growing sector in our good teamwork and effective communication. I was local economy and there are so many opportunities for fascinated by the innovative technology being implemented females to enter a traditionally male-dominated profession. in retail at the time which sparked my interest in business Through academic lessons, extra-curricular clubs, and technology. I also still love to wear a good pair of jeans! assemblies, career talks and promoting industry links, I aim Family/status : Married to Jeffrey and mother of three to inspire a generation of young girls to consider a career in children, Jonah, Lewis and Zara. the IT sector. I think that it is also important that all girls are Best advice anyone ever gave you: My parents led by confident with their digital skills irrespective of their career. example with their strong work ethic and commitment to It is a privilege to work in a high-performing all-girls their family. I have always found hard work and commitment grammar school which has an excellent reputation in the a good foundation for anything I have achieved in life. There local community. I am only one person in a team of dedicated were no ‘sick’ days in our house! staff who every day inspire, motivate and challenge our Best advice you could give someone thinking of a talented girls to achieve their full potential. teaching career: Be warned, teaching is not all about long Our school vision is excellence through commitment, holidays and model pupils as every day brings a diverse contribution and caring – and this is something that I commit range of challenges. A teacher needs to be passionate about to every day as a teacher in Glenlola Collegiate School. their subject, establish strong relationships with pupils and set high expectations. Teaching is a career for life. which is challenging but is also particularly rewarding and precious. Janine Heron

Royal Belfast Academical Institution fter starting my teaching career in Derry I was employed in RBAI in September 1995. Since then I have School website: www.rbai.org.uk Aworked as a PE teacher, housemaster, head of Subject : Physical Education. department and now am a senior teacher with responsibility Your place of birth: Belfast. for the sixth form. Alongside this I have coached a number of Studied at: UUJ. sports teams including table tennis, rugby and cricket. I First job: Clondermot High School. have been lucky enough to work at National Schools level What it taught me: Working in a one-person department with cricket as both a coach and selector. One of the best taught me all the organisational skills I now need. It also experiences I can give young people has been the showed me what a difference you can make to pupils’ lives opportunity to tour with their peers. Seeing young men through involvement in extra-curricular activities. develop over the period of time they are away from home is Family/status: Married. very special. Best advice anyone ever gave you: School Principal telling Although teaching is my passion, my development has me I should think about teaching. been fuelled by a conversation I had with a primary Best advice you could give someone thinking of a principal. He pointed out that in a class you can influence 25 teaching career: Really get involved in getting to know the children, however in management you can influence them pupils through activities outside the classroom. It gives both all. This changed my perspective on progression. Outside of you and them a totally different perspective of each other. teaching I am married with three children and referee rugby at all-Ireland league standard, touch judging a number of European cup games and seeing large parts of Europe in the process.

Jonathan Peak

Gaelscoil na bhFál returned to university for my BED degree after the birth of my eldest child. During that time, I worked part-time in Subject: Maths Co-Ordinator. IIonad Uíbh Eachach, had another child and got married Your place of birth: Belfast. and just after I graduated I had my third daughter. It was a Studied at: St Dominic's and St Mary's University College. busy four years but I was fortunate to get a job in an Irish First job: Part-time sales assistant in Adams childrenswear. medium nursery when I graduated. I went on to study for my What it taught me: The importance of teamwork. I was part Masters specialising in Early Years and completed it part- of a team that handled the incoming deliveries and we had time in two years, gaining a distinction and whilst having my to work together to get the clothes out on to the floor as first son. I've since spent time teaching various classes in quickly as possible. It was hard at times but we always had school, undertook the choir, tried my hand at basketball in good craic. the afterschools and taught Irish for parents in the evenings Family/status: Proud mother of six. for the past few years too. Best advice anyone ever gave you: Live every day, laugh I've always particularly enjoyed teaching Maths and every day and love every day. You only get one life and you making it as fun as possible for children. Following the don't want to have regrets. births of my last two sons, the position of Maths Co- Best advice you could give someone thinking of a Ordinator arose within the school and I applied, wanting to teaching career: I was lucky in that I had so many teachers make a difference in a challenging yet essential subject that inspired me and I can look back and remember area. Since then, I have tried to make Maths learning fun individual teachers and the difference that they made in my and encouraged parents to see the difference that they life and my love for learning. Every child should love make in their children's educaton by organising parents’ learning so my advice would be to make that difference and workshops and parent/child Maths events. I strive to share make learning fun for all. my love for Maths and Irish with the children and help children to reach their potential. Tús maith, leath na hoibre! Shauna Devlin

THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 17 St Vincent's Centre (St Joseph's College) conditions to help them develop the skills and build lifelong friendships. Being part of a school helping to give pupils a sense Subject: History. of identity, safety and belonging is essential, especially because Your place of birth: Belfast. young people deserve to feel safe and empowered. If you are Studied at: University of Ulster (Degree) Queen’s University thinking about becoming a teacher my advice would be to grab Belfast (PGCE). it with both hands, think of the positive influences you may have First job: My first job was to help provide a valuable community had and think how you could be that positive influence on your service. This was helping a local milkman in West Belfast. I was pupils if you become a teacher yourself. Now more than ever fourteen. I got this job because from an early age I wanted to be children need and deserve positive role models. All of this and independent and try and stand on my own two feet. This was you even get paid for it. something that was always encouraged by my family. What it taught me: This job taught me a range of skills such as aving previously worked as a lecturer for the SERC I being punctual and diligent to ensure we managed the busy run, entered statutory education later than most, coming being adaptable to various situations such as bad weather, to straight from university. For me, teaching was a vocation have a good work ethic and to take each person as you find aHnd to this day I still feel the same. This may sound clichéd, them. These skills that were instilled in me at a young age have but for me it was a choice based on the desire to make a helped me to develop as a teacher today. These skills have been difference. transferable and continue to grow. Growing up in West Belfast has given me many experiences Family/status: Married with children. and opportunities that have helped make me the person that I Best advice anyone ever gave you: Throughout life I have been am today. Although the vast majority of these have been privileged to meet many people that have helped guide and positive, I too have had to embrace heartache with the loss of inspire me, but the one piece of advice I would like to say has my father at a young age. Nevertheless, it is how you use these stood with me is “If you work hard and put the miles in now it experiences to help make you stronger and develop as an will pay off later.” individual. For me this was to become active in my community Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching and this has lead me into teaching. I am an avid sports fan and career: For me, teaching is the most unique and best job in the have been involved in many youth, community and church world. Every day I feel that I am privileged to have the groups. opportunity to educate and shape the future of so many young Teaching for me is the last phase of my community activism. people, especially the students that I teach currently as they I am a believer that a school is more than a centre to facilitate need it more than most. The one thing that is my guiding learning but should be the cornerstone of any good community, principle is that I am a teacher of children and not of subjects. I developing young people holistically as an investment in our Paul McCann can help to empower and inspire young people and to create the future.

Bernadette Rogers St Patrick's Primary School post was folding jumpers, something I didn't inherited by the young girls and boys, be it pastoral care, child protection and head of Belfast do at home. I was promoted to cashier and on the till or folding jumpers. Key Stage 2, also Barnardo’s-linked teacher had many face-to-face dealings with a wide Family/status: divorced. and running the School Council. I recalled a School website: www.stpatricksps.com range of customers. Best advice anyone ever gave you: poet who wrote about his pupils: "I feel them Subject : Primary 7 teacher. Resentment of weekend work soon Undoubtedly it is the Latin adage 'Carpe cling and cleave to me." This often resonates Your place of birth: Belfast. changed and my confidence in my Diem.' Life is a journey, a journey we have with me. Studied at: Coleraine Univerity. communication skills increased, as did my already travelled and a journey into an Since our recent amalgamation I am now First job: Shop assistant. ability to work under pressure and use my unknown future. But each day is a day we to continuing to ensure St Patrick's Primary What it taught me: Like my other six initiative. For a naïve 16-year-old girl I was can focus on 'here and now' for ourselves is well on the map, a school where hopes siblings, our parents give us all our National already improving my life skills. But most of and others. When I feel troubled and anxious and dreams come true. Our school family, Insurance Numbers. I was 16. I was sure this all it taught me the importance of 'work I remind myself of my mother's advice and parents and community, work closely was some form of child labour! Working in a ethos'. Anytime I go to Primark I am sure all repeat the mantra 'Carpe Diem, Carpe together to make outstanding future citizens busy store dealing with customers, my first the skills I inherited are likewise being Diem' – it gives me solace. Thanks, mum. who are strong and dynamic – ready to take Best advice you could give someone on the world! thinking of a teaching career: Firstly, don't listen to all the people that have negative feelings about a career in teaching. Follow your heart. Get informed, volunteer your time, obtain a range of skills and gain as much experience as you can. Teaching is a vocation and if it lives and breathes in your veins and soul, then be strong and make it your own rewarding career. Every day is different. You may be a teacher alongside having to be a social worker, a doctor, a counsellor, a referee, but above all a role model. Challenging and varying, you will never be bored and when you drive home each day you will be proud of your achievements. Congratulations to our colleague aving completed a Psychology degree combined with Education, I was excited to embark on a permanent job in Mr Paul McCann HNorthern Ireland. I was ready to take on on being nominated for a Blackboard Award every challenge and enthuse young children to 'love school and be happy with me in my from the Staff, Pupils and Governors at St Vincent’s. classroom'. My first year of teaching was subbing and although not my ideal job, I was able to St. Vincent’s Centre works with young people who have been gain a huge amount of experiences and I never thought I would ever encounter. While excluded from mainstream education due to social, emotional in Star of the Sea Primary a post came up and behavioural difficulties. Since joining the St. Vincent’s team and the Principal approached me to enquire if I had submitted my application. My Mr McCann has worked tirelessly to build strong relationships answer was 'No'. A shocked response from the Principal said I was amazing and to get it and develop the self-esteem of even our most disengaged in right away. Three days later I was pupils. A real positive force for the pupils of St. Vincent’s. permanent teacher. With hard work and passion for my new school family, I later became head of

18 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS Fleming Fulton School I love that in teaching no two days are the same. The variety that pupils bring through their personalities, their strengths, and the School website: www.flemingfulton.org.uk challenges they are working through vary each and every year and it Subject : Nursery and Foundation Stage Art and Design. means that as a teacher you never have it completely sussed. You are Your place of birth: Belfast. always learning, reviewing, evaluating and thinking of how to do it Studied at: Stranmillis University College Belfast. better next time. Getting out there and meeting other teachers from First job: I began my teaching career in Fleming Fulton School other schools, sharing your experience and learning from others is Nursery Department. vital in staying fresh and innovative for your pupils. What it taught me: Fleming Fulton School is for children and young people with physical disability and associated learning difficulties. studied Art and Design as a main subject in Stranmillis University Working in the Nursery department, I had the privilege of welcoming College and specialised in Nursery Education. During my holidays I the youngest pupils and their parents into our school. When I meet Iworked at children’s camps in Northern Ireland and Moldova and these little ones, they have already overcome so much in their young also had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong to teach English to lives. They have been some of the bravest and most courageous students. I graduated from Stranmillis in 2003 and I was fortunate to people I had ever met. Teaching them and working closely with their gain a temporary position as a Nursery teacher. When this finished I parents has given me an insight into the highs and lows that many travelled to Australia to study with an organisation called Youth with a pupils with special educational needs and their families experience. Mission. I studied Community Counselling, before completing the What I have learnt above all is how we shouldn’t take things for course with practical experience in Asia and Africa. As part of our time granted. We should celebrate every success and every achievement there we travelled to India and I had the privilege of working in a that our children experience, no matter how small they may seem. To Mother Teresa home for children with a range of special educational my pupils and their families these achievements mean the world! To needs and physical disabilities. This gave me the passion for working be part of a team supporting families and helping children learn to with children with special educational needs and, even though I wasn’t communicate and explore the world for the first time is priceless. sure how it would work out, I remember telling my team leader that I Family/status : Married with two children. was planning to pursue this when I returned home. Best advice anyone ever gave you: ‘Well, why not?’ A wonderful SEN Shortly after returning home, I applied for a job in Fleming Fulton teacher that I had the opportunity to work alongside in Fleming Fulton School and, to my utter delight, I got the job! I’m so glad that I found School had this as her motto and I have made it my own. Many people somewhere that feels like such a good fit. I love my job and I am can see obstacles that stop children with disabilities from taking part passionate about Fleming Fulton School and working with our fully in their school and the wider community. I try to see these as incredible pupils. I have worked in both Nursery and Foundation stage opportunities to be innovative and creative and, ultimately, to and feel that it is a special privilege to be a child’s first teacher. It is a overcome. privilege to build that bridge between home and school and to nurture Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: and build a foundation for learning that will continue throughout their Think long and hard about it and get as much experience as you can, whole lives. We have an incredible multidisciplinary team of teachers, working with children and young people before you take the plunge. classroom and general assistants, physiotherapists, occupational Teaching is not job, it is a vocation. Once you get into teacher training, therapists, speech and language therapists, support staff and nurses continue trying to get as much experience as you can before focusing who all work together. on what you really love and enjoy. Having a job that you enjoy is so I love being part of a team that works together to meet the needs important in life. I am reading the Narnia series by CS Lewis with my of the whole child. I have learnt so much from my pupils, their families Naomi Bittle daughter and this quote stands out: “Things never happen the same and my colleagues in education and health. It is these people who way twice.” continue to shape me as a teacher today.

haven't figured out exactly what he was trying to get across.Maybe nothing in life is easy and if you want to achieve your goals you have to overcome many hurdles. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Every child is individual, they learn in different ways so find their main strength, work with that strength and make them feel valued. Always remember that a child's memories and experiences of school stay with them for the rest of their life. I still remember the teachers who made me sit up and listen, they didn't stand and relay information from a text book, they were the teachers who stepped outside the classroom and made learning fun, interesting and memorable. So my advice would be to think outside the box, be creative and make a difference.

left school at 18 with a place at art college, but Instead started work in Boots the chemist in Donegall place, I remember at Ithe time just wanting a job like most of my friends. Following the birth of my children, I returned to education, firstly undertaking a diploma in nursery nursing. This enabled me a The Staff, Pupils and Governors of Jackie Adams get a post as a teaching assistant within special education. Over the years I was St. Patrick’s Primary School congratulate Glenveaagh School inspired by some fabulous teachers who motivated and empowered those around School website: www.glenveaghschool.co.uk them. I don't recall the light bulb moment but Subject : Class Teacher, Head of Sensory and somewhere along the way I decided the time Bernadette Rodgers Medical needs, Art Co-ordinator. had come to re-enter education. I enrolled in Your place of birth: Islington, South London. numerous night classes to repeat core Studied at: Holy Child Primary School, Cross subjects I missed out on at school and as they and Passion Secondary, Worcester University, started to stack up I felt the next step was a On her Blackboard Award Nomination Stranmillis University. degree course. First job: Shop assistant in Leisure World, I followed this with a postgrad in Queen Street (Saturday job). Children's Services and finally a postgrad in What it taught me: To open my eyes and Education. To date I have worked within the learn from the inspirational people around field of special education for 26 years, 18 me. years as a teaching assistant and eight years Family/status : Married with two grown-up as a teacher. I have found both jobs equally children and two grandsons. rewarding, both offering me the opportunity to Best advice anyone ever gave you: You start work with the most inspirational children, to learn the day you are born and you stop families and staff teams. I am passionate that learning the day you die, one of dad’s great no child should ever face barriers to learning. one liners. Another one was that he used to Therefore, it is important to continually strive walk to work with a donkey on his back – still for equality of opportunity. THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 19 Hazelwood Integrated College. them very much and still do. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching School website: http://www.hazelwoodcollege.co.uk/ career: Do it! It is the best job in the world. But (disclaimer) Subject: History. children are not robots. Your best-laid plans will go awry, you Your place of birth: Dundonald, Ulster Hospital. will be exhausted, you will wonder why they just aren't getting it Studied at: Strathearn School and Queen’s University Belfast. and you will make mistakes – lots of them! Get to know your First job: The Mace shop in East Belfast. pupils, be patient, and then find some more patience. Also, in What it taught me: My first job taught me that it’s okay to make the words of one colleague, 'No-one knows more than all of us.' mistakes. On one occasion in the shop that I worked in I put a Don't pretend to know it all – ask for help, learn from others and ‘Lucky Dip’ Lottery ticket through for a Wednesday instead of a from your own mistakes. Saturday and a customer, whose lottery tickets had been faithfully and correctly processed every week up to that point, grew up in Sydenham in East Belfast and have a younger missed out on £3000. It was awful – a huge blunder – and I brother, John-Mark, and sister, Emma, who also teaches. My thought I would lose my job. However, the man in question Idad moved here from England in 1972 and met my mum, who wouldn't hear of a 'punishment' and pointed out that we all was raised in East Belfast. As a family we moved to Seoul in make mistakes and the important thing is to learn from them. South Korea, for three years when I was seven. While we were Thankfully, my boss agreed! I think it’s very important for the there, we travelled to lots of different countries and experienced young people we teach to know that no-one is infallible and fascinating traditions and people everywhere we went. I came we’ve all made some clangers as we’ve grown up. back and went to Strandtown school, then Strathearn and then Family/status: I am married to my husband, Simon Maltman. Queen’s to do Modern History. At university I met my husband, Simon writes crime fiction novels and looks after our two wee Simon, who was studying Philosophy, and we've been married girls Eve (5) and Lilah (2). for 13 years. I did my PGCE in Secondary History at Coleraine Best advice anyone ever gave you: I've been lucky to have and got a job in Bangor Academy teaching History and English great parents and many other great role models in my life so for a year after I graduated. I have been working in Hazelwood settling on one piece of good advice is tricky, however the best Integrated College since then and am in my twelfth year there. It advice I've been given is simply that fairy godmothers and is an excellent school, serving children from so many different handsome princes don't exist! You make your own 'luck' through backgrounds. I am Head of History at Hazelwood and teach most hard work. My parents have a great work ethic. When I was year groups, including GCSE and A-Level classes, which are very young I remember my dad, who started life as a binman, rewarding to teach. I am passionate about the merits of working for hours to complete his Masters in Business at home integrated education and the need for enquiry-based History and when I was doing my GCSEs my mum was doing her GCSE teaching. These are essential to enable us to overcome our Maths exam so she could get the job she wanted. I admired divisions as a society. Anna Maltman

Breanda Clenaghan Our Lady Queen of Peace PS by Dorreen McDonagh, I decided teaching was for me and trained in Glasgow. My first School website: job was in St Matthew's PS (returning to my www.ourladyqueenofpeace.net roots). It was here that I met my husband Subject : Primary 2 teacher and Special Rory, a fellow Gaeilgeoir. We got married in Educational Needs Co-ordinator. 1999 and he migrated to West Belfast (from Your place of birth: Belfast. North Belfast) and we got a house in Studied at: University of Ulster Coleraine. Dunmurry. Our first daughter Deirbhile was First job: Sarah's restaurant in town (no born in 2001, the year that Our Lady Queen of longer there). I worked as a waitress. Peace PS opened. I can remember driving What it taught me: To work hard no what past every morning on the way to my parents’ your job and to get along with your house and saying a wee prayer for God to workmates. give me a job in that school. And he did! Family/status : Married. Our second daughter Aislinn was still- Best advice anyone ever gave you: My born, a most traumatic and painful daddy once told me, “If you can help, help!" experience. Our son Diarmuid was born soon Best advice you could give someone after, Fiachra came next and finally (because thinking of a teaching career: I would tell there is a one in seven chance that it might them to be creative and make learning fun as happen again), the twins arrived, Cuisle and much as you can. Learn from your colleagues, Aoibhinn. So I'm a busy working mum and work together and support each other. when I get the chance I love to cook and bake. I am a member of Feis Béal Feirste and was born in the Short Strand in 1970, just 10 take an Irish club after school. My favourite months after my big sister Marie, the hour of the week is ceili dancing classes with second of six children. We moved to the my twin girls in Ionad na Fuiseoige every Icountry (Twinbrook) when I was three and I Thursday. Great craic and exercise too. spent seven happy years in St Mark's PS. I Thanks Ciarans. So at this stage of my life I then transferred to St Dominic's, where I met am happy as can be and consider myself very my best friends and discovered my love of fortunate to have such a terrific family, Irish. I studied Irish at University of Ulster and brilliant friends and of course a wonderful spent a year subbing and then as a Special husband. (Can't wait to see my Christmas Needs Assistant in St Malachy's PS. Inspired present now!)

20 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS Oakwood School and entrusted to you! Assessment Centre returned to higher education as a mature School website: oakwoodschoolaac.com student at the ripe old age of 26. I studied a Subject : Special educational needs, art co- IBEd Honours Primary Education at St Mary’s ordinator & DDT for child protection. University College Belfast, with Art and Design Your place of birth: Belfast. as my main subject. I specialised in Special Studied at: St Louises CC, University of Ulster, Educational Needs in my fourth year, taking a Belfast, St Mary's University College, Belfast. special interest in autism. First job: Shoe shop in Belfast city centre, part I was extremely fortunate to be selected for time sales advisor. an Aisling Bursary during my degree, which What it taught me: That standing on your feet alleviated a lot of the financial stress associated for four hours per day was exhausting and that with university and graduated in 2009 with First my parents had let me off easily, allowing me to class honours, receiving an award for the highest concentrate on my studies. I also developed a lot achieving mature student. of confidence working with others, as well as Following an exemplary teaching practice in communication skills and self management Oakwood School and Assessment Centre, I was skills. offered a temporary teaching post upon Family/status : Married to Paul with two graduation. I have been extremely lucky to beautiful daughters. remain here and secure a permanent teaching Best advice anyone ever gave you: My parents post. taught me the value of education and always I have the privilege to teach children with a challenged me to do better, to be better. "Always diagnosis of severe learning difficulties try your best, that's all we can ask.” (SLD)and profound and multiple learning I attribute all my academic and personal difficulties (PMLD) with complex medical needs. achievements to my parents their unconditional I currently have a class of nine beautiful children love, guidance and support has allowed me to with a variety of abilities and needs. I believe in grow into the person I am today. creating a safe and secure classroom Best advice you could give someone thinking environment in which my children feel loved and of a teaching career: “If you love what you do, can learn, grow and thrive; where myself and my you will never have to work a day in your life.” wonderful assistant and class staff team have a Teaching is a very rewarding profession, always child-centred approach to education, seeing show your passion for your subject and for your every child as an individual and every milestone children. “Every child deserves a champion – an achieved as a huge success. I am passionate adult who will never give up on them, who about enhancing and enriching my children’s understands the power of connection and insists learning experiences, providing each child with they become the best that they can possibly be.” opportunities to experience success and Challenge yourself every day to be the best encouraging them to reach their full potential. Michelle Walsh teacher you can possibly be for the children

never underestimate how the simple acts of kindness we offer young people can have far-reaching positive consequences. This advice Oakwood School has always helped me to maintain a positive regard for all the young and Assessment Centre people I have had the privilege to teach and support through the Harberton Park years. Belfast BT9 6TX Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching T: 02890605116 career: I would advise them to take advantage of every opportunity to www.oakwoodschoolaac.com develop their experience and understanding of whole-school issues. This will help them to see “If you want children to learn, first make them happy” the relevance and importance of their classroom practice.

have been teaching for 19 years, Once a child starts Oakwood they become as part of the Oakwood starting my career in 1996 with a year in Hazelwood Integrated ‘family’ and each child is valued as an individual. Oakwood staff ICollege, where I taught science try at all times to see the positive, not the negative, in any situation across junior and middle school. I then worked in Glengormley High and praise and reward all achievement no matter how small and School from 1996 to 1999. Again, Michelle Walsh exemplifies this ethos. here I delivered both Single and Double Award Science and supported We believe that no matter who you are, the extra-curricular life of the school what your capabilities are or what your through the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. disabilities are we are all equal, Jonny Smith I subsequently secured employment Belfast Boys' Model School in Belfast Boys' Model School in 1999 as a respected and loved and that life is teacher of Science. In 2002 I was about laughter and happiness, and that School website: https://www.bbms.org.uk/ appointed to the post of Head of Year. In Subject : Learning for Life and Work, Careers. 2006, the school was chosen to facilitate a we are all here to help each other. Your place of birth: Belfast. pilot programme to work in parallel with Studied at: Queen's University Belfast. the Extended School programme. In The Governors, Principal, First job: Hazelwood Integrated College. partnership with Belfast Model School for What it taught me: I learned that sharing of Girls, we forged links with training Senior Leadership team, staff, good practice within a team is so important providers, mental and physical health for an educator's personal development and organisations and a range of additional parents and pupils of Oakwood the quality of the provision for the young support for pupils, parents and family. My people. Reflecting on teaching methods and role as coordinator was to create School would like to trying new approaches is so important, to partnerships and facilitate the provision of congratulate Michelle ensure that pupils can meet their potential a community coming into schools support by enhancing their personal skills. strategy. In 2009 I was appointed to the on her nomination for this Best advice anyone ever gave you: A role of Head of Careers and teacher of colleague once commented that we should Learning for Life and Work. Blackboard Award.

THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS 21 GALLERY: The 2017 Belfast Blackboard Awards

Dominic Fryers, Mairéad Weir, Jim McCann, Maria McCann, Robert Devlin and Colette Barr Jean Walker, Heather Brown, Nicola Hitching and Pauline Kinley

Barra Best with Nicola Hitching, Pauline Kinley and Michael O'Kane Gary and Janine Halliday of Clarawood Special School

Danske Bank Principal of the Year Award presented by Katherine Morrow of Aaron Douglas with Eimmear O'Dare Danske Bank to Halewood Integrated College’s Kathleen O'Hare

Rosemary Ward with Rioghnach Doherty 22 THE 2018 BLACKBOARD AWARDS Elmgrove Primary School have been part of Elmgrove for over 45 years. First as a pupil then as a parent. I have been working at Elmgrove School Website: www.elmgroveprimary.co.uk Inow since 2001. I always struggled with learning at school Subject: Classroom Assistant but with fond memories remember my teachers from Your place of birth: Belfast Elmgrove. My three children attended Elmgrove and took Studied at: Rupert Stanley Collage with them when they left, respect, determination to fulfill First Job: Sunblest bakery their ambitions, most of all love and kindness. I started as a What it taught me: It taught me patience, time keeping is supervisor and knew that I wanted to further myself to important also with me being quite young then that asking enable me to work full time with children.I received so much and taking advice really helps. guidance which enabled me to gain my NVQ 3 in child care Family/status: Divorced also after a few years I had the privilege to work with a child Best advice anyone ever gave you: Never give up, what with cerebral palsy. It was an experience of a lifetime and as you lack in theory you make up in practical. You have love I got to complete training in intermittent and kindness in your heart in abundance and the children Catheterisation also lifting and handling people with love you.....( my son) special needs education, this excelled all my expectations. I Best advice you could give someone thinking of a also have my elklan 2 and just completed my level 3. I teaching career: Reach for the stars and take your children always say that it has been my love for the children and with you on your amazing journey. Not only will you teach wanting the best for them that has given me the drive and but you will also learn so very much from each individual confidence to reach my full potential. School is not work for child. It is a wonderful experience, be happy and enjoy. me it's preparing our children in, mind, body and soul. We at Elmgrove teach the children to have respect for different races and appreciate the diversity of other cultures. I am part of an amazing team and hope to continue to bring love and happiness to our children for many years to come. Marie Stockton

Glenveagh School nne has taught in Glenveagh School for almost twenty years. Glenveagh is a school that caters for pupils with School website: www.glenveaghschool.co.uk Aa range of complex learning and medical needs. Subject: General subjects. Pupils attending Glenveagh range from aged eight to 19 Your place of birth: Belfast. years. Anne fell in love with Glenveagh when she was on Studied at: University of Ulster Jordanstown. placement there as a student teacher. First job: Waitress. She began teaching in Glenveagh straight after What it taught me: The importance of treating other completing her PGCE in 1998 and has taught there ever people as you would like to be treated. since. During this time Anne has taught pupils with a wide Best advice anyone ever gave you: You shouldn't be afraid range of special educational needs. She has always to make mistakes so long as you're willing to learn from particularly enjoyed working with pupils on the autistic them. spectrum and pupils with challenging behaviour. Anne Best advice you could give someone thinking of a became Principal in Glenveagh school in 2015. This is a role teaching career: Be sure to get experience across a range that presents her with many challenges and rewards. of sectors before deciding which is the right one for you. Anne's ultimate aims are for pupils to have high Teaching is hard work but if it's the right job for you, the aspirations, to be as independent as possible in all that rewards far outweigh the challenges. they do and to ensure that their school journey is a safe, happy and memorable one.

Anne Moore

Strathearn School classroom assistant posts work to developing an independent young person. When I met up with my pupil in School website: www.strathearn.org.uk First Form, I had to be with her from 8.30 to 3.30 – no Subject: Classroom Assistant – covering all subjects! breaks. Now, as a couple of years have passed, I know Your place of birth: Dublin, when to step back and when to support, I can see my star Studied at: Victoria College Belfast, then SERC developing and it is exciting to watch her progress and Newtownards enjoy life. First job: Bank official. Best advice you could give someone thinking of a What it taught me: Working in the bank was a ‘team’ job – teaching career: This is a road which goes up and down – we worked to tight deadlines and it was important to listen step back at times to appreciate the ups and watch as the to others on the team to ensure projects were completed children blossom. When times are tough, try to see the correctly. Communicating with staff and clients was positives – it’s true: positive things happen to positive paramount to success and completing tasks efficiently and people. accurately was essential. Working as a classroom assistant, communication is the centre of what we do. orn in Dublin, I moved to Belfast at the age of seven When you communicate with your pupil and they start to weeks and from P3 attended Victoria College, Belfast talk, and you listen, then there is a bond of trust which Buntil Upper 6th, having completed A-Levels. Unsure develops. This is the basis to any relationship and is what to do at university, I entered AIB, I progressed through essential for this partnership to develop and go from jobs and completed all bank examinations. From an early strength to strength. age I had one major passion – horses! This has continued Family/status: Married with two children – well, young through my life and is one of the reasons I am now a adults! classroom assistant. A number of years ago, I had the Best advice anyone ever gave you: When I had my son, I opportunity to leave the bank and transfer my skills. What lived in Northumberland. I developed a wonderful to do? In my spare time I volunteer for the Pony Club and friendship with a lady in her late 70s and learned so many worked at camps with children from P1 to Sixth Form, life skills from her. She gave me this one piece of advice: enjoying the pastoral side. This led me to returning to study "Love your little boy and care from him for the next 18 for the classroom assistant qualification, and after a couple years. Let him go, and he will always be yours.” I thought at of lucky breaks I was successful in gaining a job in the time this was strange, but kept it in my mind. My Strathearn School. Here I work with a visually impaired children are now 24 and 20 years of age and I did what my pupil and constantly try to develop strategies and ideas to friend told me. I have the most wonderful relationship with help her. Outside of work I still volunteer with the Pony Club both of my children, we are a very close family unit, they and am the Area Co-ordinator for Northern Ireland's have their freedom but I know if I need anything I only need centres, encouraging children to become involved in Sandra Vollands to ask them. I keep this with me in my school life – sport – primarily equestrianism.

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