This article is from page 32 of the 2007-03-06 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
A SHANNON teacher has received the major honour of being granted a Fellowship to study for her Masters Degree at a US University.
Sarah Burke (25), from Tullyvarra- ga, Shannon, is a teacher at St Tola’s national school in her home town. She graduated with a BA (English and Geography) and Graduate D1- ploma in Education from Mary Im- maculate College in Limerick two years ago. Her outstanding results in the Graduate Diploma caught the at- tention of Frostburg State University in Maryland, who chose her to study
for her Masters in Education there. She is the only Irish person to have been selected by the University to spend a year there.
The University will also pay all of her fees, during her year-long stud- ies. Her studies will commence in August and she will be given the choice between Special Needs Edu- cation or Children’s Literacy, as her specialist area.
“The course is fully recognised by the Department of Education and I was chosen based on rank, order and merit. It is all to do with where you finish in the class and your work throughout the Graduate Diploma in
Education,” she said.
Sarah is hoping to use this oppor- tunity to do a bit of travelling around the States, but admits she will miss her parents Catherine and Albert. However she is hopeful that they will take some time out to visit her during the 12-month spell.
“I was delighted, but shocked to be chosen. I am a little bit nervous. I haven’t travelled for any extensive time before. A year away is daunt- ing, but itis an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. Everyone is delighted for me. I really want to make the most of this,’ she said.
Sarah is currently in her second
year teaching at St Tola’s, where she has secured permanent employment, and has been delighted that she can take a year out from teaching, to travel overseas.
“I teach 28 junior infants and love Tola’s. The job will still be here after the year,’ she said.
She has received fantastic support from the principal at Tola’s, Kevin Hehir, and all the staff at the school, who have supported her.
‘The staff are so proud. They think this is great and are delighted for me. They have been brilliant. This is such a great opportunity to see so many different places,” said Sarah.