Values Rich Environments with Dr Séamus Conboy

Send a textWelcome to another Season of Teachers Themselves! Season 3 opens with a wonderfully open conversation between our host Ultan Mac Mathúna and Dr. Séamus Conboy, the Director of Schools at Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI). Séamus takes us through his journey to becoming a passionate educator and advocate for multidenominational schools in Ireland, from his upbringing in Knock, County Mayo, where he honed his interpersonal skills, to his progression into leadership and innovation. Séamus shares the pivotal moments that led him to a prominent leadership role in education. He considers the critical balance between passion and practicality, and how mentorship played a vital role in his career development. The discussion highlights the importance of trust and vulnerability among colleagues, as well as the unexpected opportunities that arose from temporary leadership roles, which ignited Séamus's passion for school leadership and policy influence. Explore the challenges and successes of transforming Irish education through the establishment of Community National Schools. Séamus discusses the shift from religious-based education to a more inclusive, multi-denominational ethos, and the strategic process involved in shaping a unified educational policy. He also introduces the "Goodness Me, Goodness You" program, emphasising values like care and inclusion, and reflects on the cultural richness these schools bring by celebrating diverse religious and cultural identities. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of Irish education and the efforts to create inclusive environments for students and communities alike.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 – Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook If you have any thoughts on our episodes, or suggestions for future topics, email Zita at [email protected] 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.