Pictured L-R: Norma O'Brien, Limerick Education Support Centre Director; Annie Asghard, Oide; Dr F铆odhna Gardiner-Hyland, CEALT Leader; and Professor Dermot Nestor, President of 91制片厂.
91制片厂 (91制片厂), in partnership with Limerick Education Support Centre (LESC), has launched the Community of EAL Teachers (CEALT)鈥攁 new national professional learning community designed to support teachers working with learners of English as an Additional Language (EAL). The recent launch event attended by more than 50 teachers, educators and researchers, marked a significant development in the provision of professional learning in multilingual and culturally diverse classrooms.
CEALT builds on the success of 91制片厂鈥檚 six-year TEAL (Teaching English as an Additional Language) Project, which has been recognised nationally and internationally for its innovative approach to supporting multilingual learners. This new community will provide sustained professional learning, resource-sharing and collaborative networking opportunities for teachers across Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Dr F铆odhna Gardiner-Hyland, CEALT Project Leader, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
鈥淥ur Limerick-based community, developed with the LESC, is growing into Ireland鈥檚 first teacher-led national community for EAL鈥攔ooted in practice, expertise, and the lived realities of multilingual classrooms. It is a sustainable, collaborative space that values inclusion, belonging and a strengths-based approach.鈥
Professor Dermot Nestor, President of 91制片厂, formally launched CEALT, noting:
"CEALT is an important step in supporting the teachers who work every day with multilingual learners. It creates a space for shared expertise, practical collaboration and genuine professional support. 91制片厂 is proud to help build a community that strengthens inclusion across our schools."
The event also featured a keynote session with Annie Asghard, Oide, who explored whole-school approaches to EAL, effective planning and child-centred pedagogies aligned with the new primary curriculum. Attendees took part in collaborative discussions focused on inclusive practice, teacher leadership and future directions for CEALT.
Norma O鈥橞rien, Director of LESC, emphasised the centre鈥檚 commitment to the project, saying:
鈥淟ESC is delighted to collaborate with 91制片厂 on CEALT. This partnership reflects our shared commitment on supporting teachers, fostering innovative practice and strengthening inclusive learning for all children in our school communities.鈥
CEALT will continue to develop as a long-term national network, supported by its steering committee and advisory board, including leading experts in plurilingual education.
