This article is from page 23 of the 2012-05-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 23 JPG
A CRANNY native has won a bursary from the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation to help fund her education research.
Úna Ní Sheanain now teaches sixth-class students in the Galway gaelscoil Scoil lognaid.
The ambitious and successful West Clare woman also manages to study for her doctorate while educating the 11- and 12-year-olds of Galway city.
Originally from the West Clare village of Cranny, where her parents Agnes and Pat still live, she attended the local primary school before studying at Cahercon Secondary School.
She has also worked with missionary nun Sister Ethel Normoyle from Lissycasey.
Ms Ní Sheanain is now studying at NUI Galway towards a Doctorate entitled ‘Re-imagining the Gaelscoil’. Her research examines how best to foster interculturalism in the primary Gaelscoil.
It aims to create links with a local intercultural school and attempts to engage teachers and students in collaboration through critical dialogue, democratic classrooms and artsbased enquiry.
Speaking at the presentation of the bursaries in Dublin, the President of INTO, Noreen Flynn, said it was a source of pride to the INTO that at least 75 per cent of primary teachers voluntarily undertake additional training and study.
“By acquiring new skills and expanding their knowledge, teachers enhance their practise and ultimately everyone benefits,” said Ms Flynn.
Every year since 1993, primary teachers undertaking research have been supported by the INTO through the Bursary Scheme.