Galway ETSS

Meet The Team

Sarah Molloy - Principal

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Sarah, who is a native of Birr, Co. Offaly, comes to Galway Educate Together Secondary School from Calasanctius College, Oranmore, where she has been Deputy Principal since 2017. Previous to this Sarah held a Deputy Principal position and was part of the start-up team in Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School in Dublin. Sarah began her teaching career in Mount Anville Secondary School in Dublin where she taught as an English and Religion teacher and worked as a member of the senior management team in her capacity as Year Head for several years.

Sarah studied Theology and English in the Mater Dei Institute of Education and in 2004 went on to do a Masters in ICT in Education at the University of Limerick. In 2009, she did a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership in NUI Maynooth.

Sarah is delighted to be joining the Educate Together team in Galway. She looks forward to leading the development of an exciting new school which will be an inclusive, innovative, 21st Century centre of excellence where each member of the community will be valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Sinéad Conlon - Deputy Principal

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Originally from Co. Monaghan, Sinéad joins us from Presentation College Headford where she worked as a teacher of English, CSPE and LCVP, as well as holding Department Head, Programme Coordinator and Assistant Principal positions.

After qualifying with a B.A. in English, Sociology and Political Science, Sinéad completed a Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis from NUI Galway. She worked in Human Resource Management before returning to NUI Galway to complete a Higher Diploma in Education in 2002. More recently she graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management from Maynooth University, and a Masters of Education in School Leadership from the University of Limerick. She has led teams in the areas of School Self Evaluation, student leadership, literacy and whole-school subject planning.

Sinéad is passionate about inclusive education, empowering student voice and innovating in teaching and learning. She is delighted to be a part of the next exciting chapter for the GETSS school community.

Clodagh Ní Chroinín (Assistant Principal I) - Home Economics, SPHE & Gaeilge Teacher
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After qualifying with a B.Ed in Home Economics and Irish from St. Angela’s College, Sligo in 2013, Clodagh taught for 6 years in Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh before joining the team here in Galway ETSS in 2019.

Clodagh also works for the JCT (Junior Cycle for Teachers) and the NCCA (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment). She is currently continuing her personal and professional development with a Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Clodagh has always shown a passion for food, nutrition, and the benefits of mindfulness through cooking. Clodagh specialised in Textiles, Craft and Design in her final year of her undergraduate. She loves to travel, experiencing new cultures and tasting and learning about culinary delicacies from all over the world. She has a keen interest in health, exercise and sustainable living and hopes to instil this in her students at GETSS.

Clodagh offers all her students the opportunity to fall in love with cooking and enhance their culinary skills in her extra-curricular club called ‘Club Cócaireachta’. Students also can converse through the medium of Irish and improve their oral language skills ag an am céanna.

Peadar Harvey (Assistant Principal I) - Graphics, Coding, Technology, Computer Science, & DCG Teacher
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Peadar started his career in another start up school in West Dublin before becoming part of the original start up team at GETSS. He has taken part in a number of different subject initiatives such as Junior Cycle Coding in Action and Leaving Certificate Computer Science Phase 1.

Studying Design Technology Education at GMIT Letterfrack as his initial teacher education before completing a Higher Diploma in Software Development also at GMIT. Peadar has also work in with the Professional Development and Support Service for Teachers (PDST) STEM Team. Both as a subject Editor and as an Associate for Computer Science.

As an athlete Peadar represented his club Craughwell AC, County and College in Athletics with 4 nationals medals at Junior and U23 level to his name. Now he prefers the less competitive world of Kitesurfing and travels the west coast looking for the best wind & waves.

Ann Marie Greene (Assistant Principal I) - Guidance Counsellor & Gaeilge Teacher

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Ann-Marie has a BA in Irish and Religion from Mary Immaculate College, a Higher Diploma in Education from UCC and a Masters in Education, Guidance and Counselling from Trinity College Dublin.She is a qualified TEFL teacher and spent over a year teaching in Australia. She also has qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy and in Educational Leadership and Management.

Ann-Marie began her teaching careerin Coláiste na Rinne, Waterford teachingEnglish and Irish before moving toBlackrock College as an Irish and Religion teacher. Sheis an experienced Irish Oral examiner and became a qualified Guidance Counsellor in 2008. A role which she feels privileged to be in.

Ann-Marieis coming from Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, which she joined in its second year in existence in 2007. She was Head of Guidance and Religious Studies and was also the Student Support Team Coordinator. She was part of the senior management teamand was appointed as a special duties teacher in 2009. She was the first Transition Year Coordinator and became Programmes Coordinator in 2011.

Ann-Marie is passionate about mentalhealth, wellbeingand the holistic development of students. She has implemented numerous initiatives over the yearsinorder tohelp students face challenges and carve out a meaningful future.

Ann-Marie is very active in the Mid West branch of guidance counsellors and has organised numerous CPDrelating to guidance and counselling for members in her role as secretary. She is also a member of various committeesparticularly thoseproviding equal access andopportunities for all students.

Ann-Marie is delighted to jointhe Galway EducateTogether team as a Guidance Counsellor. She is an advocate for inclusive education and believes in creating a caring and warm environment for students to learn in. She thoroughly enjoys her work and looks forward to working with the whole school community and the wider community in meeting the guidance and counselling needs of all. Ann-Marie is also a keen traveller, hiker and harpist.

Gary Murphy (Programme Coordinator) - Physical Education, History & SPHE Teacher
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Gary is originally from Kilkenny, but his teaching career has taken him far and wide since graduating in 2014. After four years studying Sports Studies and Physical Education with History in University College Cork, he went on to teach in London, Abu Dhabi and Dublin before making the move west to Galway.

As a P.E. teacher, sport and fitness has always been a major aspect of life. He played soccer, hurling, Gaelic football and tennis all the way up. Now, his main focus is soccer (even though he is from Kilkenny!) and is a member of Maree/Oranmore FC men’s team. His main aim as a P.E. teacher is for the students to understand the importance and benefits of physical activity and for them to have lifelong participation in exercise.

Growing up, History was another one of his interests and it was a dream come through to pair sport and history into one career path. Gary has a love of travelling and gained the opportunity to travel when teaching abroad. Gary has found a deeper understanding of history from visiting famous historical sites across Europe, such as Dachau and Auschwitz, and in Asia, such as Petra and the Taj Mahal. His significant interests in history are the Cold War Era, WWII and the Roman Empire.

Extra-curricular activities are something Gary is very enthusiastic about. Having run soccer, hockey, rugby, Ultimate Frisbee and tennis clubs in the past, Gary is looking forward to getting some new clubs up and running in GETSS soon. Gary has also done some charity work, volunteering to teach in India in 2015, to do some building work and teaching in The Philippines in 2019 and has experience organising school fundraisers in the past.

James Frawley (Assistant Principal II) - Chemistry, Biology & JC Science Teacher
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Qualifications: Professional Masters in Education(PME), BSc (Hons) Microbiology and Chemistry, Diploma in Business Management, TEFL Cambridge EAL Cert. Currently undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma in School Leadership with the University of Limerick.

A Galway native, James entered the teaching profession in 2017 after completing a Masters in Education in NUI Galway. Prior to this, James worked as a Clinical Bacteriologist in the Clinical Science Institute (CSI) in the University Hospital. During his time in CSI, James authored and published two scientific research papers in the Journal of Medical Microbiology and was responsible for Undergraduate students final year research projects. James currently teaches JC Science in our school and is qualified to teach Chemistry and Biology. He has worked as an Superintendent and Examiner for Higher Level LC Biology for the State Examinations Commission(SEC) and is currently the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO)in our school. James is currently pursuing a Higher Diploma in Special Education from NUI Galway.

Aside from his work as a Science teacher, James is an avid traditional musician. He has travelled extensively across Europe and the United States and has performed in various venues throughout the country. He is also the vice chairperson of Moycullen, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Éireannwhere he teaches music to children on a weekly basis.

Tara Broderick (Assistant Principal II) - Music, Artistic Performance, Ethical Education & History Teacher
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Tara has a Bachelor of Music from CIT Cork School of Music, specialising in Choral Studies and Music Education, and completed her Professional Masters of Education in the University of Limerick.

The arts have been Tara’s lifelong passion and grew up performing on stage with various musical theatre groups in Galway. Tara has extensive experience as a chorister, being a member of many award-winning choirs, who have performed all over the country and has competed at both national and international level. She is also a former member of the Irish Youth Choir. Tara has a keen interest in music journalism and is a regular reviewer with Journal of Music, which allows her to keep in touch with the wider music community.

During her undergraduate studies, Tara taught music in primary schools in Cork City, sparking her interest in education. She believes in the power the arts have on students and as a Galway native, Tara was delighted to join the GETSS community in it’s first year. She enjoys facilitating young people grow into diverse, well rounded individuals who can make positive contributions to their community.

Tara is involved in many extra-curricular activities in GETSS. She runs the Music & Drama Club, facilitates the Student Council and helps with the schools Green Team, who tackle social justice and climate change. Tara is also interested in the benefits of Mindfulness in schools and completed a MBSR course last year.

Gabrielle Campion (Assistant Principal II) - English, Gaeilge & Ethical Education Teacher

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Gabrielle has a BA in English and Gaeilge and a Masters in Nua-Ghaeilge from NUI Galway. After her degree she completed the Ard-dioplóma i gCumarsáid Fheidhmeach (higher diploma in Applied Communications) in Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in an Cheathrú Rua, which led Gabrielle to a brief career in journalism and communications in Australia.

Having taught Gaeilge to Irish children while she was in Australia, Gabrielle knew teaching was her calling. She returned to Ireland and completed the Máistir Ghairmiúil san Oideachas (Professional Masters in Education) in NUI Galway. During her masters, Gabrielle was also an examiner of Junior Cycle English and found this experience invaluable to her development as a teacher.

Gabrielle incorporates her experience in communications into her English lessons by encouraging students to find their own voices as they question and discuss texts.

She is also a meditation and yoga teacher, and she brings mindfulness practices into the classroom to help students engage and focus on their own learning.

Gabrielle is passionate about Global Citizenship Education and encourages students to engage with global issues with an open mind and express themselves and their views in an accountable and authentic way.

Katriona Woods (Assistant Principal II) - SEN Co-Ordinator

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Katriona has a BA in English and Philosophy from UCD, she completed her Postgraduate Certificate in Education at Queen’s University in Belfast and a Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies with Kingston University in London. Katriona has worked in a variety of educational settings supporting students with additional education needs in Ireland and the UK, her passion is supporting students reach their holistic potential in an inclusive nurturing school environment. Katriona is delighted to join the team at Galway Educate Together Secondary School as SEN Co-Ordinator and is excited to continue working within the school community in this role. Before moving to Galway Katriona was an Assistant Principal and SEN Co-Ordinator at Naas Community College - an iPad and Instructional Leadership School. Katriona is also an active member of the L2LP Junior Cycle Teacher Associate Team. Katriona continues her own professional development and has recently completed Competence in Educational Testing training accredited by the British Psychological Society as well as Nurture Groups and Nurturing Schools training with Nurturing Schools Ireland.

Emer Whyte (Assistant Principal II) - English & Geography Teacher
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Emer has a B.A in English and Geography (History and Psychology in 1st year), a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, a Diploma in School Planning and Development and a Master in Education (Research focus on Teachers' experience of Curriculum Reform). She has also completed an Advanced Diploma in Personal, Leadership, and Executive Coaching.

Emer has experience teaching English, Geography, and CSPE in a range of schools in Sligo, Galway, and Mayo. During her teaching profession to date, she has occupied the role of English Subject co-ordinator, class tutor, and a member of school planning, curriculum development, and School Self Evaluation committees. She is an experienced examiner for Higher Level Leaving Certificate English and LCA English and Communications and has delivered the Leaving Certificate English revision course in Midlands Tutorial Centre for several years. Emer has also worked as a local branch facilitator for the Irish National Organisation for Teachers of English and has been seconded to the Junior Cycle for Teachers support service. Over her experience of working with JCT, she worked as an English Advisor, Whole School Regional Advisor for the West and North West, and as a Leadership and Assessment Advisor. Throughout her secondment, she worked on multi-disciplinary teams and was involved in work such as the Erasmus Student Voice Project, the Joint NCCA Leadership in Learning seminars, and the development of in house professional learning communities in the area of assessment and reporting.

Emer is very passionate about student-centered learning and innovative teaching. She has strong beliefs in social justice and firmly believes in a restorative approach to building relationships. She fosters this approach by promoting a growth mindset and building an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. She is an avid reader and loves to promote students’ reading for pleasure and creative expression.

Noreen Cooley – School Secretary

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Noreen originates from Limerick and she moved to Galway to study Tourism in GMIT. She followed this with a move to New York and worked for several years as a Stockbrokers assistant in Prudential Securities. On return to Galway with her husband and two children she worked for Eagle Star Life Insurance. She went on to have a third child and changed career paths to suit family life. She qualified as a fitness instructor and set up her own business teaching children's fitness classes in primary schools and conducting ladies' fitness classes by night. Once her three children were in secondary school, she soon returned to administrative work, but she had enjoyed the energy of working in a school thus sought a school administrative role. She comes to us after being the secretary of Galway Educate Together Primary School for 8 enjoyable years. Noreen is excited to join us as School Secretary and is grateful to be once again immersed in the ethos of a new and exciting developing Educate Together school. Noreen likes to challenge herself, completing marathons and partaking in cycling events.

Tara Nestor - Special Education Techer

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Tara has a B.A in Psychology and Geography, a Masters in Education (Research focus was on the benefits of implementing group work within the classroom). She has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs at Saint Angelas College Sligo, where she has focused on Specific learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and ADHD. She has also studied Autism Spectrum Disorder in depth. Tara strongly believes in Applied Behaviour Analysis approach for teaching students with autism and designs her education plans implementing this approach.

Tara has experience teaching Learning Support in a range of schools in Galway including Archbishop McHale College Tuam and Claregalway Secondary School. During her teaching profession to date, she has occupied the role of class tutor, anchor for students with additional educational needs and a member of the Health and Safety and Global Citizens Education committee.

Tara is passionate about student centred learning and innovative teaching. Tara strongly believes in restorative practice, fostering and developing strong student teacher relationships. Tara is also passionate and interested in Athletics and likes to promote movement among the staff and students. Coming from Tara’s Psychology background she believes in promoting growth mindsets among the students as she has studied modules such as positive psychology. Tara believes in the importance of student well-being, by promoting practices such as meditation, sitting yoga and gratitude within her classes to aid student’s mind and body.

Jill Aherne – SSA (Student Support Assistant)
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Jill completed her MEd in the Psychology of Education at the University of Manchester in 2013 before returning home to study for the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Since then, she has worked with children in early intervention settings, primary schools and as a team leader in rehabilitation services for adults with acquired brain injuries.

Jill was delighted to join the Galway Educate Together Secondary School team as an SNA in August 2020. She is passionate about inclusive education and empowering students to reach their full potential. Having previously worked as Project Manager for the West and North West on the Food Dudes programme, Jill also has a keen interest in healthy eating, nutrition and promoting this within school settings.

Sharon Connell – SSA (Student Support Assistant)

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Sharon qualified with a BA in Music and a Graduate Teaching Diploma (Music) from the University of Limerick in 2010. She also completed the Comhaltas TTCT teaching diploma and has tutored with various schools and music workshops around Ireland. In 2016, Sharon completed her SNA training with Portobello Institute. Since then, she has worked in both primary and secondary school settings.

In her spare time, Sharon teaches Irish traditional music and several of her students have followed in her footsteps and achieved All-Ireland success. She is the current chairperson of Lackagh Comhaltas and head of the traditional music department with Athenry Music School.

Sharon has toured extensively across Europe, America and Canada performing with various music groups and during the summer months, she is a much sought-after adjudicator at Fleadhanna Cheoil all over Ireland and abroad.

Sharon was delighted to join the Galway Educate Together Secondary School team in August 2021 as an SNA and believes in the importance of giving all students the opportunity to learn in an environment suited to their needs and interests. She looks forward to being part of the growth and progress of the school community in the future.

John Deane – SSA (Student Support Assistant)

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John is originally from Carlow. He studied a B.A. in Humanities in St Patrick’s Carlow College, before completing a Higher Diploma in Psychoanalytical Studies in Dublin Business School. After this he spent time in wales studying a Masters in Applied Behaviour Analysis in Bangor University and working in a home Tutoring program.

When he returned to Ireland he worked in a Residential Unit for a time before eventually moving to Galway to work in a Special School for Autism and Complex needs. While in this job he studied Executive and Life Coaching and obtained a Higher Diploma in Software Development in GMIT.

John was delighted to start with the GETSS team as an SNA in August 2021, and is looking forward to experiencing the development of a new school and hopes his experience and knowledge will contribute to the new school community.

Katriona Seevers - SSA (Student Support Assistant)

Kat S.jpgKatriona first qualified as a Special Needs Assistant in 2005, she spent many years working in both primary and post primary schools and is delighted to be joining the Galway Educate Together Secondary School in 2022. She is very passionate about the Educate Together Ethos and looks forward to working in this environment and assisting students to realise their full potential. In 2004 Katriona was involved as a parent in a start-up Educate Together Primary school, it was here that she found her desire to work in a school setting. In 2011 she went on to qualify as an Acupuncturist. She brings many skills with her and enjoys the art of crochet and knitting in her spare time.

Hazel Gilligan - Special Education Teacher

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Hazel graduated with a B.A in Geography and Sociology & Politics from NUI Galway in 2014, before going on to graduate with a Professional Master of Education from NUI Galway and qualifying as a Geography and CSPE teacher in 2019. During this time Hazel's research was largely focused on the benefits of inclusivity within the school setting and firmly believes in encouraging inclusive education as a whole school approach. Hazel is passionate about supporting students to integrate into their school community to develop a sense of belonging and also to equip them with the skills to become better prepared for life outside of school. Hazel believes that inclusion provides better opportunities for learning and for students to access the curriculum, while also building relationships and improving social skills.

In 2020 Hazel completed a course in Special Needs Assisting and worked as a Student Support Assistant before joining the teaching team for 2023-2024.

Hazel also has a keen interest in health and wellbeing, with a particular interest in sports and staying fit and active. Hazel is an avid hockey player and also coaches both hockey and soccer in her free time. She is looking forward to getting involved in extra-curricular activities and after school clubs and encouraging positive mental health and wellbeing through sport and exercise.

Michelle Lawless - Mathematics & Business Teacher

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Michelle qualified with a Bachelors of Commerce from NUI, Galway in 2005.She went on to complete a Higher Diploma in Systems Analysis, and a Masters in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management also from NUIG.

After a number of years working in retail, Michelle decided to follow her passion for education and learning and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Michelle completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from NUIG, specialising in Business and Maths in 2012.

After qualifying as a teacher Michelle went on to teach in the UK for four years where she took on the role of Head of Business in The Matthew Arnold School in Staines. During this time Michelle was mentoring and training newly qualified teachers. Michelle taught Business, Accounting, Maths, and IT/Computer Science up to A-level as well as taking on the role of a tutor. Michelle returned to Galway (her home town) in 2017 and took up a position as teacher of Maths and Business and part-time SNA in the Presentation College, Currylea, Tuam. Due to her experience as a tutor Michelle was asked a to design a programme for Wellbeing to be carried out during tutor time for Junior Cycle students. After returning from the UK Michelle decided to peruse her passion for maths further and was recently awarded a Professional Diploma in Maths for Teaching from The University of Limerick.

In her spare time Michelle has a passion for the arts and was lead vocalist for The Wondertones, a 8 piece wedding band for a number of years before moving to the UK. She has also been known to thread the boards in principal roles with various musical societies across the city and county.

Michelle was delighted to join Galway Educate together Secondary School in it’s first year in the role of an SNA and join the teaching team in the school's thrid year, embracing its innovative, 21st century approach to education as well as its restorative approach to building and maintaining good relationships within the school community. She is excited to be apart of the progress the school makes over the coming years.

Nora Blake - Biology & Maths and JC Science TeacherNora.jpg

Qualifications: BSc (Biomedical Science), Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas, Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching, Master in Education, Leadership and Management.

Nora is Galway born and bred and is delighted to be one of the original staff members here at Galway ETSS. Upon completing her Dioplóma Gairmiúil san Oideachas in 2013, Nora started her teaching career in Coláiste an Phiarsaigh, Cork before relocating to Dublin to work in the newly opened 1:1 iPad school Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh. During her time there she occupied the role of Assistant Principal and class tutor whilst also being the Science, Maths and IT coordinator. In 2018 she was appointed Acting Deputy Principal.

Nora is keen to share her teaching experience with other teachers. She currently works with NUIG on their Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (Professional Master of Education). Here she provides future teachers with pedagogical content knowledge for Science and Mathematics. Nora believes technology should be used to enhance teaching and learning, not replace it. To promote this vision amongst others she has become a certified Apple Teacher and also a Wriggle ambassador. She is a member of the Wriggle Digital Leader’s Programme where she works with schools nationwide to provide teachers with training on how best to integrate digital technologies and 21st Century teaching and learning methodologies in their classrooms.

Nora believes that extracurricular activities are also key to overall student development. To date Nora has been fortunate enough to be involved with the BT Young Scientist Competition, school musicals & plays, school trips both at home and abroad and also school basketball teams and general fitness classes. In her spare time Nora likes to combine travel with photography. Her last trip took her deep into the heart of Tanzania’s Serengeti where she had a chance to photograph the famous “Big 5”!

Martina Kelly - Art, Artistic Performance & Ethical Education Teacher
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Martina completed a Higher Diploma for Art & Design teachers from the Crawford College of Art in Cork and a BA in Fine Art specialising in Painting, from IADT Dun Laoghaire in Dublin. She enjoys learning and building upon her creative skills so that she can share them with her students.

Martina is very passionate about teaching and learning and loves working in GETSS which has a rich and diverse school community. She has a passion for teaching her subjects to the highest standards. She has experience teaching High School in the US for 11 years and held the position of the Fine Arts Department Chair and Coordinator. In this role, she oversaw the music and theatre departments along with the fine arts. She took part in budget planning, curriculum planning, providing instructional leadership and use of effective instructional strategies that will most appropriately meet the needs of students.

This is Martina’s 17th year in education, she has worked with students of all ages and has gained vast experience in fostering respect and is passionate towards creating a student centred environment; as well as teaching how to use art to develop their sense and express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy way to address the 'real world' around them.

In more recent years Martina has taken a keen interest in digital graphics and photography, she offers students at GETSS a chance to explore digital graphics using Procreate software in her extra-curricular club called ‘Digital Art’

Esther Merino - Spanish & CSPE Teacher
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Originally from the North of Spain, Esther believes that languages are an empowering key to education and global citizenship in today’s multicultural society.

Having completed her Honours Bachelor’s Degree in NUIG in Spanish, Sociology and Politics in 2012, she shared her passion about learning and teaching languages by starting a language school.

She has extensive experience teaching in Secondary schools and Privately at a Junior and Leaving Cert level, Primary Schools in an immersive and active way and adults conversational Spanish. She is passionate about Professional Development and takes any opportunity to continue with her ongoing Education and to take courses such as” Teaching Spanish grammar in the language classroom” and “Teaching Teenagers Spanish as a Second Language”.

Richard Brown - English & History Teacher

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Richard is originally from Meath, and moved to Galway to complete is BA in English, History, and Theatre and Performance and Postgraduate Masters in Education at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

During his placement, he had the opportunity to work alongside SEN units and SNAs both in person and virtually. He really enjoyed working with students to achieve their personal goals, and was delighted to be joining the SSA team at GETTS in 2021 and as a teacher of English and History in 2022. He is passionate about inclusive education and is excited to work with the team on achieving the goals of the school.

Outside of school, Richard has a key interest in theatre. In 2016, he took a career break to become a professional Stage Manager for three touring productions around Ireland. Now, he is an active member of Renmore Pantomime and Twin Productions. When he has a spare weekend, he enjoys volunteering as a cara at Barretstown Serious Fun Camp in Kildare or sea swimming around Galway Bay.

Martin Quinn - Physical Education & Maths Teacher

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Martin is originally from Dublin but qualified with a B.Sc.in Physical Education and Mathematics from the University of Limerick in 2006. He spent 16 years teaching in Loreto College Crumlin before moving to Galway Educate Together Secondary School.

As a P.E. teacher, Martin has always had an interest in sport and physical activity. Growing up, Martin’s two main sports were Gaelic football and soccer. When he finished playing competitively, he continued his involvement in both through coaching numerous teams. Martin hopes students can develop a lifelong love of sport and physical activity through participating in a variety of sports in PE class.

Martin has always loved Mathematics and believes problem-solving is a key life skill and should be encouraged in all students.

Extra-curricular activities are something Martin is enthusiastic about. He has coached soccer, Gaelic football, camogie and volleyball in his previous school and looks forward to coaching sport in Galway Educate Together Secondary School.

Donna Cleary - Home Economics & Science Teacher

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Donna, a native of Clare, is a qualified chef and has worked at a number of restaurants across the county. As part of a career break she then spent some time travelling abroad. Upon returning home, Donna decided to return to education and qualified with a B.Ed in Home Economics and Science from St. Angela’s College, Sligo.

Since then Donna has taught Home Economics and Science at a number of schools in Leinster. More recently, she spent several years teaching Home Economics in Shannon. In addition, she has worked as an examiner of practical coursework on behalf of the State Examinations Commission. These experiences have informed her teaching practices and benefitted her students.

Donna is passionate about Home Economics and believes it provides students with a valuable range of life skills. These include: an awareness of food and nutrition, the importance of health and wellbeing together with the nurturing of craft skills. Beyond the classroom, Donna has worked with many students to advance their creative skills.

Donna has a keen interest in travel, music, and crafts. She is delighted to be a part of the team at GETSS and looks forward to sharing her interests with her students.

Chloe Creaven - Gaelige, Geography & AEN Teacher

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Chloe completed a BA in Gaeilge and Geography at the University of Galway. Following this, she enrolled in the Digital Marketing Institute of Ireland, where she successfully obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing.

Her pursuit of knowledge and passion for diverse experiences led her to Spain, where she joined Google as a Social Media Specialist. During her time abroad, Chloe's desire to teach, lead her to become TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certified. For two years, she dedicated herself to teaching English as a second language in Madrid, Spain. Chloe found immense satisfaction in helping students grasp their first words in English while also preparing others for language exams. Her time as a teacher abroad fuelled her passion for education and so upon returning to Ireland, Chloe took the next step in her teaching career by completing a Professional Masters in Post-Primary Education at Hibernia College, with a specialisation in Gaeilge and Geography. This paved the way for her to join GETSS, where she completed her final school placement as a student teacher. Chloe now takes pride in her role as a teacher of Gaeilge and a provider of valuable learning support.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Chloe is deeply involved in the world of musical theatre. Having been a performer for most of her life, Chloe has personally experienced the power of the performing arts. She now channels her enthusiasm into the production aspect of musical theatre, ensuring that others can enjoy similarly enriching experiences on stage.

Within GETSS, Chloe is a dedicated participant in various extracurricular activities. She serves on the production team for school shows, co-manages the debating club, actively contributes to the library, and collaborates as a member of the language club team. Chloe's multifaceted engagement in school life underscores her commitment to both education and the arts.

Orlaith Devlin - English, EAL & AEN Teacher

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Orlaith is originally from Galway and studied Gaeilge, Irish Studies, and English as parts of her BA which she undertook in the University of Galway. During her undergrad, Orlaith fell in love with learning and literature, with a particular enthusiasm for Irish literature. Wanting to pursue her passion for education and literature, Orlaith went on to study her Professional Masters in Education, with a specialisation in English.

Orlaith thoroughly enjoyed her final year of placement as a student teacher, which she undertook in GETSS. She also worked as a classroom assistant for the University of Galway’s Youth Academy and as a tutor for the university’s ‘Grinds4Mincéirs’ programme, which provided grinds and support for students from the travelling community aspiring to go to university.

Orlaith returned to GETSS in 2023 as a qualified teacher and is now teaching English and English as an Additional Language, and is also providing additional learning support to students. Orlaith is a passionate believer in the power of Restorative Practice and in the ‘Theory of Care’, and leads with these principles in all of her lessons.

Outside of school, Orlaith has danced both competitively and professionally for eighteen years and is channelling this passion into her participation in the production of the school musical. Orlaith also incorporates her passion for reading and literature into her organisation of the school library and her in co-producing the school magazine.

Leanne O'Toole - Geography and English Teacher

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Leanne embarked upon her academic journey at Mary Immaculate College, where her love for English and Geography first flourished. Building upon this foundation, Leanne pursued a Masters in Education at Hibernia College.

Leanne’s love for Geography extends far beyond the classroom walls. Being an avid traveller, Leanne believes in bringing the culturally diverse landscapes and cultures she’s explored into the classroom as real-world experiences, making Geography more relatable to her students.

Whilst teaching holds a special place in her heart, Leanne is equally enthusiastic about sports, particularly camogie. Leanne has played at various levels of camogie, competing in two Senior All Ireland finals in Croke Park.

Leanne loves sharing her knowledge and coaching expertiseat Galway Educate Together. She is committed to extracurricular activities in GETSS and is involved in coaching volleyball and basketball teams in the school.

Leanne is passionate about restorative practice, inclusive learning, and ICT integration in the classroom. She hopes to enrich the educational experience for all her students during her time in GETSS.

Paula Ortiz De Luna - Student Support Assistant

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After completing her degree in the University of the Basque Country, Paula started her professional career in graphic design but soon followed her passion for photography, which took her to Madrid, where she worked for nine years as digital assistant and photo editor.

When she moved back to the Basque Country, she wanted to try new things and her career moved towards graphic design, without ever abandoning photo editing. She began to collaborate with cultural institutions and museums, designing temporary exhibitions for them, as well as informative materials such as posters, brochures and catalogues.

Eight years ago, Paula moved to Ireland to improve her English, to gain new experiences and to open doors to new professional horizons. Ireland welcomed her with open arms and she now considers it her second home. Always attracted to the field of education, she undertook a 'Train the Trainer' course which incorporated modules on Early Childhood Care and Education and Special Needs Assisting. She is delighted to start a new professional chapter, using her knowledge and experience to support learning in GETSS.

Sarah Healy - Gaeilge, English & Artistic Performance

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Sarah is a Gaeilge and English teacher with a background in drama. She studied in Trinity College Dublin where she discovered the potential for using applied drama as a tool for learning and creating. During this time, she worked as a drama facilitator, returning to Galway in the summers to perform with Galway Youth Theatre and Macnas.

After spending two years teaching English and learning Italian in Italy, Sarah returned to Galway where she completed her Máistir Gairmiúil san Oideachas (PME).

Before joining the team in Galway ETSS, Sarah worked in Firhouse ETSS. Here she discovered the profound impact and possibilities of using restorative practice in education. She went on to lead the school's Ubuntu team and successfully set up and implement the school's Nurture programme.

She looks forward to engaging students to reach their full potential with creativity, curiosity and open minds.

Mar 25
2024
Spring Break
Apr 01
2024
Spring Break
Apr 29
2024
TY Work Exp.
May 03
2024
School Closure
18-Mar-2020
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28-Nov-2019
We had the first meeting of our parent community this week. Lots of great ideas were shared.
14-Nov-2019
As part of science week we are hosting numerous in school activities for all our students aswell as workshops off campus
Contact
Galway Educate Together Secondary School,
Newtownsmith,
Galway,
H91 DP11

091 394262


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