| A chara, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to invite you to attend an international peer learning event, hosted by the OECD, to discuss "Developing a model of local engagement to strengthen education policy making in Ireland". Recognising the scope to further strengthen stakeholder engagement processes in the Irish education system, in 2019 the Teaching Council, through its “Bringing Education Alive for our Communities On a National Scale” (BEACONS) process, conducted a pilot to develop a model of conversation between teachers, principals, parents/guardians and students. Building on the momentum of BEACONS and, to facilitate the development of an innovative model of local community engagement in Ireland, a project called “Developing a model of local engagement to strengthen education policy making in Ireland” was formed under a grant agreement between the European Commission’s Directorate General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Teaching Council partnered with the Department of Education, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, National Council for Special Education, National Parents Council Primary, and the Ombudsman for Children's Office in the application to DG REFORM. This international peer learning event aims to present models of stakeholder engagement in OECD countries and to feed into the national discussion taking place in Ireland. It is part of a series of outputs produced within the project, and builds on an initial analysis of the Irish education system drafted by the OECD. This analysis was based on information provided by the Teaching Council and focus group meetings with Irish education stakeholders. During this event, participants will be invited to provide feedback and participate in discussion, as they will come together to: - Analyse existing stakeholder engagement models with OECD and international experts.
- Discuss specific model features and key contextual factors that determine the success of these models.
- Propose elements that could serve as building blocks for an Irish stakeholder engagement model in education.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you an enjoyable and happy Easter break. Le gach dea-mhéin, | 
