‘We seek to offer the very best quality education and training opportunities to all learners, by employing staff who are equipped to carry out their responsibilities’ (Donegal ETB Strategy Statement 2022-2026). In a rapidly changing world, our post-primary teachers achieve this by continuously undertaking professional development training throughout their teaching careers. But how is this facilitated and supported? In this blog our Crana College teacher Thomas Boyle explains the role of.
As a Donegal ETB post-primary school teacher who has been seconded to Oide for the past five years, I have had the unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of teams and projects. This experience has given me a deep understanding of Oide’s transformative impact on professional development for educators nationally. In this blog post, I will share what Oide is, why it exists, and the importance of professional development for teachers. Additionally, I will delve into what Oide does, how it achieves its goals, and how teachers can take full advantage of its offerings.
Oide is a new Department of Education support service for schools, formed from the integration of four existing support services
: the Centre for School Leadership, Junior Cycle for Teachers, the National Induction Programme for Teachers, and the Professional Development Service for Teachers. Oide aims to support the professional learning of primary and post-primary school leaders and teachers in all department-recognised schools and centres for education in Ireland.
The vision for Oide is to support the professional learning of school leaders and teachers in Ireland through the development of high-quality, innovative, and responsive professional learning that enables them to meet the educational needs of all learners in a changing world. Oide subscribes to both national and international best practices, engaging positively with all relevant stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcomes for schools, school leaders, teachers, and learners.
The need for continuous professional development in teaching cannot be overstated. Teachers face rapidly changing educational landscapes, diverse student needs, and evolving pedagogical strategies. However, traditional professional development approaches often fall short in addressing these dynamic requirements. This is where Oide steps in. By offering high-quality professional learning experiences, webinars, supports, and resources aligned with both curricular developments and broader educational goals.
Oide’s mission is guided by the Teaching Council’s Framework for Teachers’ Learning, Cosán, ensuring that its offerings are both relevant and impactful. The ultimate goal is to improve school outcomes by equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the diverse and changing needs of their students. Continuous professional development not only enhances teachers’ instructional strategies but also positively impacts student learning outcomes, creating a more effective and enriching educational environment.
Oide provides a wide array of professional learning events, workshops, webinars and resources tailored to the professional needs of teachers and school leaders. These include:
- Arts and Creativity Education: Encouraging innovative teaching methods and integrating creative arts into the curriculum.
- Child Protection and Anti-Bullying: Offering strategies and resources to create safe and supportive learning environments.
- Effective Evaluation and Assessment Practices: Improving planning, learning, and teaching through robust evaluation methods.
- Digital Technologies in Learning and Teaching: Training teachers in the effective use of digital tools to enhance learning and teaching.
- Guidance: Supporting guidance counsellors with professional development and resources.
- Induction of Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs): Providing comprehensive support for both primary and post-primary NQTs as they enter the teaching profession.
- Inclusive Education: Supporting the implementation of inclusive practices to cater to all learners, including those with special educational needs.
- Literacy and Numeracy: Enhancing teachers’ skills in promoting literacy and numeracy among students.
- Post-Primary Subjects and Programme Development: Offering specialised support for secondary education subjects and programs.
- School Self-Evaluation (SSE) and DEIS Planning: Assisting schools in self-evaluation processes and DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) planning.
- School Leadership: Developing leadership skills among school leaders.
- Support for Irish-Medium Schools: Providing tailored support for primary and post-primary Irish-medium schools.
- STEM Education: Promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education through specialised programs and resources.
- Wellbeing Promotion and Wellbeing Curricular Planning: Helping schools to develop and implement wellbeing strategies and curricula.
Oide employs a variety of methodologies and strategies to ensure effective professional development. This includes a focus on reflective practice, where teachers are encouraged to continuously evaluate and improve their teaching methods. Collaborative learning is also a key component, promoting a culture of shared professional learning among educators.
Oide’s principles include recognising and supporting school leaders and teachers as committed professionals, cultivating an ethos of continuous and shared professional learning, and promoting inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing as integral to all activities. The organisation aims to create a culture of reflection, enquiry, and purposeful collaboration, empowering a commitment to high standards and quality driven by a focus on the learner.
Getting involved with Oide is straightforward and highly beneficial for any teacher looking to enhance their professional skills. Here are practical steps to access Oide’s resources and programmes:
- Visit the Oide Website: The newly launched Oide website is regularly updated with information on upcoming workshops, webinars and resources.
- Sign Up for Webinars and Workshops: Teachers can easily sign up for various professional development opportunities directly through the website or through their school management.
- Access Subject Support Materials: Oide provides a wealth of support materials and subject related resources available online, ensuring that teachers have the tools they need at their fingertips.
- Join the Oide Mailing List: Stay connected and never miss out on important updates by signing
up for the Oide mailing list. You’ll receive regular newsletters with the latest news, resources, and upcoming events delivered straight to your inbox. - Engage with the Social Media: Follow Oide on X (Twitter) @oide_Ireland to stay informed of updates and latest news.
Oide is dedicated to providing professional development for teachers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. By providing high-quality, innovative, and responsive professional learning opportunities, Oide ensures that teachers and school leaders are well-equipped to meet the educational needs of all learners in a changing world. I encourage all teachers and school leaders to take advantage of the resources and support offered by Oide. Visit www.oide.ie for more information.