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Join us for our final episode of season four in conversation with school Principal and co-founder of the WILL (Women In Learning & Leadership) Network, Kathryn Corbett.

With refreshing candour and a wisdom borne of experience, Kathryn reveals how her early love for learning blossomed into a purposeful career path that's transforming educational leadership across Ireland. Her professional story is one that encompasses international experience where she discovered formal mentoring programs that sparked her interest in teacher induction and support. Experience which she brought home to Ireland and implemented into the Irish education system.

From her own experiences of leadership in education, Kathryn has become an advocate for female leadership and a builder of education community in Ireland. In conversation with our host, Ultan, Kathryn discusses founding the WILL (Women In Learning & Leadership) Network alongside Rachel O'Connor. Created to address the stark imbalance between the predominantly female teaching workforce and leadership positions, this network creates opportunities for women across the education sector to find connection, mentorship, and pathways to leadership that might otherwise seem unattainable.

Tune in to hear Kathryn's insights on sustainable leadership and work-life boundaries. Her thoughtful reflection on systemic challenges facing school leaders will resonate deeply with anyone working in education today.

Kathryn leaves us with a powerful reminder: "The biggest risk is the one that you don't take." Listen now to be inspired by her story and practical wisdom on leadership, boundaries, and creating meaningful change in education.
Connect with the WILL Network on Instagram @networkwill

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Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

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In conversation with Ultan this week, David Gough, one of Ireland's most respected GAA referees and school Principal of Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál in Inchicore, brings us into the fascinating intersection of his professional worlds.

From the historical landscape of Slane, County Meath that shaped his early years, to the values that guide his leadership today, David shares how his upbringing created foundations of respect and equality that underpin both his officiating and educational work. His story reveals powerful parallels between managing high stakes sporting events and nurturing a vibrant school community.

"Leadership is an action, not a position," David explains, detailing how he creates cultures of respect in both arenas. His approach to leadership, with a focus on interconnection rather than hierarchy, creates school corridors "full of life, sound, singing, and laughing" hallmarks of the uniquely positive atmosphere that visitors from other countries often find so striking about Irish education.

David's candid discussion about balancing professional demands, his passion for sport, and the continuous learning curve of principalship offers wisdom for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities.

Listen now to this conversation that reveals how respect, fairness and love, create environments where both children and communities flourish.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, leave us a review and share it with colleagues and friends! Your feedback informs the show.

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at zrobinson@dwec.ie
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

Oh – and don’t forget to book that CPD – dwec.ie

Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.

Send us a text

Join us for episode three of Season 4 in conversation with Ciarán Donnelly, a primary teacher who thinks outside the box.

Ciarán is a forward-thinking and imaginative educator who embraces innovation and fosters a dynamic learning environment. And it was these particular traits that saw Ciarán lead his students at Green Lanes National School, to enter, compete and become, Ireland's first international NFL flag football champions and win an all-expenses-paid trip to Orlando, Florida.

Tune in to hear this remarkable story of one teacher’s transformative approach to education and the life-changing experiences created for his students. As the NFL Flag Football programme expands across Ireland with plans for provincial championships throughout the country, his story reminds us of the powerful impact teachers can have when they recognise and nurture students' passions.

Subscribe to Teachers Themselves for more inspiring stories of educators making a difference in Irish classrooms.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, leave us a review and share it with colleagues and friends! Your feedback informs the show.

You can follow us across our social media channels –

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If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at zrobinson@dwec.ie
Or take a minute to give us your feedback: Listener Feedback

Oh – and don’t forget to book that CPD – dwec.ie

Teachers Themselves is a DWEC original, produced and created by Dublin West Education Centre produced by Zita Robinson.