Se谩n McMahon, a graduate of 91制片厂 (91制片厂), has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Teaching Council. A member of 91制片厂鈥檚 An t-脷dar谩s Rialaithe (The Governing Authority), Se谩n has had extensive involvement in education since graduating from 91制片厂 as a primary teacher in 1979.
Commenting on his appointment, Se谩n said, 鈥淭he Teaching Council plays a vital role in supporting quality teaching and learning by all teachers in every school in the country. I am honoured to be elected Chair of the Council. I look forward to working with my fellow Council members and Council staff to support all school communities in realising the full potential of their collective work 鈥 teachers, parents and students alike.鈥
Se谩n enters the role at a hugely significant time in Irish education as the sector continues to deal with the upheavals brought about by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
鈥淚n Ireland, we have a proud and powerful record in education which, as a nation, we have always treasured and nurtured. Building on that proud tradition, teachers almost instinctively know that we must embrace the innovations of technology, old and new, to ensure that all learners receive an education that stretches all and breaks none. Never has this been more obvious than in the current climate where the teaching profession is continuing to rise to the challenges of these unprecedented times to connect with pupils across a wide variety of innovative digital platforms.鈥
He added, 鈥淚n this vein, I wish to see the Council enhance its promotion of the profession in tandem with its regulation. I believe that facilitating vibrant conversations between stakeholders will be key to the success of this objective鈥.
The Clare native commenced his teaching career in an all-boys school in Rathdowney, Co. Laois. Returning to his home county in 1990, Se谩n was appointed principal of Mullagh National School in Ennis. Having worked with the Department of Education and Skills as a part time School Development Planning Facilitator, Se谩n has also been involved in the provision of professional development for Boards of Management.
Since 2016, Se谩n served as Deputy Chair of the Teaching Council and Chair of the Council鈥檚 Investigating Committee in relation to Fitness to Teach. Before this he served as President of the Irish National Teachers鈥 Organisation from 2014 to 2015 having been an elected member of the INTO Executive since 2007. In addition to his role on 91制片厂鈥檚 Governing Authority, Se谩n is also a member of the Governing Authority at Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT).
On behalf of 91制片厂, Professor Eugene Wall, President of 91制片厂, extended his congratulations to Se谩n and commended him on his prestigious appointment.
