Teachers Inspire 2022, organised and run by Dublin City University, is calling for nominations of inspiring teachers in Ireland and stories about the positive impact a teacher has made in their lives.
The initiative, which celebrates all teachers, highlights how, in and out of the classroom, they can inspire imagination, creativity, confidence and courage.
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 January 20, 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.
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 Clonakilty, and finds out why she wanted to become a teacher.
Listen to the episode here.
Teachers Inspire is an Ireland-wide initiative that seeks to celebrate teachers and to recognise the transformative role they play in our lives and in our communities.
It is a testament to the quality of Irish teachers and educators and their extraordinary contribution to the lives of children, young people and our wider society.
Their positive impact on the lives of our children and young people cannot be overestimated.
They are at the very heart of communities across the country.
Speaking about Teachers Inspire, Louise O’Neill said: “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.”
Teachers Inspire is organised and run by Dublin City University.
It is generously supported by a philanthropic donation by Mr. Dermot Desmond.
Mr. Desmond also supports The Desmond Chair in Early Childhood Education at DCU’s Institute of Education.
Now in its third year, Teachers Inspire celebrated teachers in 2019 and 2021.