Nominate your inspirational Laois teacher for big award

Teachers Inspire 2022, organised and run by Dublin City University, is calling for nominations of inspiring teachers in Laois and other counties around Ireland.

They want to hear the stories about the positive impact a teacher has made in their lives as part of the initiative, which celebrates all teachers and, highlights how, in and out of the classroom, they can inspire imagination, creativity, confidence and courage.

Teachers Inspire also features acclaimed author Louise O’Neill as curator and host of the Teachers Inspire Podcast, where she meets inspirational teachers and those whose lives they’ve touched to talk about their personal stories.

She also covers related topics including early childhood education, inclusion, mental health and wellbeing, teaching gifted children and STEM education. The first episode of the new series features Louise’s own inspirational teacher, Jo Keane, who taught English and set her on her path to becoming an author. She also speaks to her sister Michelle, a primary school teacher in Cork, and finds out why she wanted to become a teacher. 

Louise spoke about Teachers Inspire.

“It’s such an honour to be a part of the Teachers Inspire initiative once again. I’m especially excited as I have had fascinating conversations about everything from Irish Sign Language and early education for children and the importance of prioritising mental health in the classroom. I’ve learned so much through recording this podcast and I hope the listeners will enjoy it as much as I have,” she said.

Teachers Inspire is organised and run by Dublin City University. It is supported by a philanthropic donation by Mr. Dermot Desmond who supports The Desmond Chair in Early Childhood Education at DCU's Institute of Education. 

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Anyone can nominate a teacher who has made a difference in their lives by going to teachersinspire.ie and clicking on Share Your Story. Nominations close 20th January 2023. These stories will be curated and shared, with the four most inspiring being selected and celebrated at an event in DCU in February 2023.