On Saturday 5 October 2013, the Teaching Council marked UNESCO World Teachers' Day with FÉILTE.
FÉILTE, the Festival of Education in Learning and Teaching Excellence, was a celebration of teaching which showcased the work of teachers who are leading innovative learning projects. The day provided a platform for teachers to lead each other in maximising the use of innovation in their own professional practice for the benefit of their pupils and students.
Fintan O'Toole, Irish Times Literary Editor, delivered a well-received lecture on Leading Teaching: Empowering the Profession. The lecture was followed by free time for teachers to visit the many and varied showcases presented by their teaching colleagues. In the afternoon, Mr Michael Mulgrew from the American Federation of Teachers shared his personal response to the day. This was followed by a panel discussion hosted by Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, PhD candidate in TCD, broadcaster and former teacher. Aoibhinn was joined by guests Ms Tracy Curran, registered teacher and mentor, David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist, broadcaster and author and Prof. Jim Lucey, Medical Director of St Patrick's University Hospital and regular guest on RTÉ Radio One. To end the day, attendees were treated to a wonderful performance by the National Children's Choir.
The FÉILTE 2013 programme is available here.
Youth Media Team
Throughout the day, the Youth Media Team (YMT) captured the day's activities in real-time by blogging, tweeting and interviewing attendees. The team was expertly guided by Pam O'Brien, Conor Galvin, Evelyn O'Connor and Bernie Goldbach. The YMT Videos are available here.
