Secret Diary of a Teacher

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

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Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: Living the dream in a lockdown nightmare

"You see, in a classroom, I know the rules. I’m not perfect but I’m in the right ballpark at least. I can see and hear it in my students’ reactions, in their contributions from the stands."

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Secret Diary of an Irish teacher: a little hedge school in my house

The morning is full of birdsong, the winter sky glimmering a bright silver, suggesting spring.

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Secret Diary of a Teacher: Online learning might have a more substantial role in our futures

I’m drawn to poetry these days and increasingly to Yeats.

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Secret diary of an Irish teacher: I think we need to tell young people exactly what’s happening

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Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: With this virus, kids need to know that compassion is key

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Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: of daydreams and 'maths anxiety'

Secret Diary of a Teacher: Standing in the picket line, I was surprised by the number of supportive beeps

You know the lyrics: “We don’t need no education/We don’t need no thought control/No dark sarcasm in the classroom/Hey, teachers, leave them kids alone.”

Thu, 13 Feb, 2020

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: In Dreamland, education is blown wide-open

Last week, I asked politicians to dream about a better education system. This week, I’m going to ‘dream a little dream’ myself.

Thu, 06 Feb, 2020

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: We must create one cohesive system of education with a foundation in equality

Before our next election, please google ‘education in Finland in a nutshell’.

Thu, 30 Jan, 2020

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: Teens aren't looking after themselves because they don’t feel looked after

Good news! Teenagers are drinking and smoking less! But before we get too comfortable, they’re exercising less too.

Thu, 16 Jan, 2020

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: New Decade Resolutions to instil a growth mindset in students

It's time for the dreaded New Year’s Resolutions. And this year it’s a bonus round of New Decade Resolutions.

Thu, 02 Jan, 2020

Secret Diary of an Irish teacher: They label themselves vegetarian, Liverpool fans, ‘woke’ - just not feminist

I had a stand-out lesson this week. One of those lessons that grows arms and legs, wings and tentacles.

Thu, 12 Dec, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish teacher: Why we should reduce the voting age

Contemporary Ireland is different. There’s a new voice of rebellion in the air

Thu, 05 Dec, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: Minister is using the word 'segregated' to describe children with special needs

I’M MORE than a little worried. I’m worried about the use of a single word. I’m not usually afraid of words but there’s something sinister about this one.

Thu, 28 Nov, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: Time to ditch private schools

This truck serves as an excellent metaphor for what needs to happen in our education system. A colossal truck needs to barge in front of it.

Thu, 21 Nov, 2019

Secret diary of an Irish teacher: I’ve been wondering who my students ‘Gay Byrne’ will be

I’d always promised myself a day off school when Gay Bryne died.

Thu, 14 Nov, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: I questioned Irish being a compulsory subject and I clearly upset people

One of my favourite novels to teach is Of Mice and Men. I know it’s been on the curriculum forever; I remember watching the film with Gary Sinise in school myself, but Steinbeck’s message is timeless.

Fri, 08 Nov, 2019

Secret Diary of a Teacher: Preparing the kids' lunches

My husband prepares the kids’ lunchboxes; it’s one of my favourite things about him.

Thu, 31 Oct, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish teacher: Opting out of Seachtain na Gaeilge

Every year, teachers across the country are invited to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge. Every year, I respectfully opt out.

Thu, 24 Oct, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish teacher: 'Mirror, mirror on the classroom wall; what is gender after all?'

A friend of mine read an article recently; it was about a group of women who, having transitioned to men, wanted to go back.

Fri, 18 Oct, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: How would you like me to discipline your child?

Dear Parents — How would you like me to discipline your child? Would you in fact like me to discipline them at all? There are so many mixed messages out there, I could do with your help.

Thu, 10 Oct, 2019

Secret Diary of an Irish Teacher: I’m a teacher and I hate homework

Can I tell you a secret? I’m a teacher and I hate homework. I’ll tell you something else – a lot of teachers feel the same way.

Fri, 13 Sep, 2019

Secret Diary of a Teacher: Back-to-school dream believer

They start in August, the recurring back-to-school dreams.

Mon, 02 Sep, 2019

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