Anseo.net - If I were the Minister for Education
This podcast explores how the host would change the primary education system in Ireland if he were Minister for Education. Each episode focuses on a different theme, providing background and working toward conclusions. It is a personal, opinion-driven look at practical reforms and issues in Irish primary education.
Episodes
Interview 40: Ronan McGovern
In this episode of If I Were the Minister for Education, I speak with Ronan McGovern about ADHD and its impact in Irish primary and secondary schooling. Ronan outlines his education and career path from Dublin to accounting, King’s Inns, PwC New York and an MBA at Stanford, where a classmate identified ADHD traits and he later received a diagnosis at age 34. He reflects on being held back in schoo
Interview 39: Removing Diagnosis for Special Education with Debbie O’Neill
In this episode, I speak with Debbie O’Neill, principal of Scoil Eoin in Crumlin about Department-level proposals to remove diagnosis as a criterion for access to special classes and special schools, replacing it with a needs-based model relying on school-written reports assessed by an unnamed independent body. We discuss the context of a reported 257% rise in children requiring classroom support
A Very Alternative Budget 2027
In this week’s podcast I focus on Budget 2027, outlining an alternative primary education budget and arguing that annual measures like capitation increases, extra teachers, and more SNAs prop up a flawed system rather than changing it. After summarising Sinn Féin’s proposals (additional teachers, special education staff, SNAs, higher capitation and allowances) and the Social Democrats’ plans (free
Unconvention: Patronage Report Stage 1
In this first report on patronage, I introduce my Unconvention fringe to the Convention on Education, where I gather public responses and research (using AI to help collate and draft) into reports and podcast episodes; this second report focuses on school patronage. I explain that patronage is not merely historical but gives patrons major power over boards of management and school ethos, including
Interview 38: Ciara O'Connor Walsh
In this episode, I speak with Ciara O’Connor Walsh, Creative Director at youth mental health charity A Lust For Life, about the transition from primary to secondary school. We discuss how practical worries (lockers, timetables, getting lost) often mask deeper concerns about belonging, relationships, peer judgement, bullying, puberty and identity, especially in the move from small primary schools t
Interview 37: Noel Davidson
I welcome Noel Davidson to the podcast to discuss entrepreneurship education and practical problem-solving in Irish schools. Noel shares his own education and career journey from horticulture into starting businesses and becoming Head of Training and Strategic Partnerships at the Entrepreneurs Academy, arguing that programmes like the Junior Entrepreneur Program (primary) and the Student Enterpris
Interview 36: Grace Brennan
In this episode of If I Were the Minister for Education, I speak with Grace Brennan, founder of Higgle, about process-driven visual arts and creative thinking in primary classrooms. Grace shares her education journey from County Wexford to art and design studies and entrepreneurship supported by Enterprise Ireland and local programmes, and reflects on how third-level art opened her mind to experim
Interview 35: Eithne Walsh
I was delighted to meet Eithne Walsh, CEO of Féach Vision Support Services, to talk about improving supports for blind and visually impaired children in Irish mainstream schools. Eithne shares how her two children gradually lost their sight and how low expectations and limited expertise in schools pushed her to advocate for practical planning, expanded core curriculum skills, and assistive technol
Education Unconvention: Reading 1
Education Unconvention: Big Questions About ReadingI introduce the Education Unconvention as a fringe-style, discussion-based subset of my podcast, designed to complement and sometimes challenge the Convention on Education by sharing progress and inviting contributions online. The first theme is reading, explored through debates about Reading Recovery, UFLI, and dyslexia, alongside reading schools
Interview 34: Patty McGee
In this episode of If I Were the Minister for Education, I speak with US educator, consultant and author Patty McGee about transforming grammar teaching away from dry worksheets and red-pen correction towards inquiry, curiosity and delight, connected to real writing. Patty explains how traditional grammar instruction can create discomfort and inequity, and reframes grammar as a tool for communicat
Interview 33: Gavin Doyle
In this episode of “If I were the Minister for Education”, I interview Gavin Doyle, a Dublin secondary teacher and founder of Examinaite, about AI and technology in education. Gavin describes his path from teaching and high-level basketball to software development after time in San Francisco, and explains Examinaite’s aim to reduce teacher workload through a bank of 25,000 Leaving Cert past questi
Lies, Damn Lies and School Patronage
In this episode of If I were the Minister for Education, I unpack the Department of Education’s primary school survey and the headline claim that 40% of parents in denominational primary schools would prefer their school to be multidenominational. I admit I was wrong to assume parents would simply vote for the status quo, and I argue this figure is a remarkable tipping point, especially given how
Interview 32: Dr. Ross Greene and Ruth Eadie
In this episode of If I Were the Minister for Education, I explore how behaviour support in Irish primary schools has shifted from corporal punishment to rewards and consequences, and now toward restorative practice, nurture spaces, and Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS). I’m joined by Dr. Ross Greene, founder of Lives in the Balance and author of The Explosive Child, Lost at School, and Th
Interview 31: Deirdre O'Toole
Deirdre O’Toole is one of Ireland’s best known educators. She started her well-known Instagram page in 2018 - the Playful Classroom, which explored early infant education - but had since become heavily involved in teaching and learning reading. She took it upon herself to bring the Right to Read conference to Ireland and this will take place next weekend, 21st March 2026. All 400 tickets sold out
A Pause for Thought on SNA Allocations
In this episode of If I were the Minister for Education, I break down what happened after projected SNA allocations for the 2026/27 school year showed roughly 200 schools set to lose at least one Special Needs Assistant: not due to cuts or clerical error, but because of how the national redistribution model works under a capped total. I explain the background to the current situation, including th
The Story of the Primary Language Curriculum
In this episode of ‘If I Were the Minister for Education,’ I discuss the tumultuous journey of the Irish Primary Language Curriculum since its inception in 2016. I explain the confusing and unworkable nature of the curriculum, which stemmed from panic-induced reforms after a minor dip in Ireland’s PISA scores in 2009. I highlight the chaotic development process plagued by bullying allegations and
The most boring podcast you'll ever hear
I couldn’t think of a better title to this week’s podcast which is all about admin work. Unfortunately, the biggest change to my job in the last decade or two is the crazy increase in administrative work and constant additions to my workload. My brain physically can’t hold it all so I decided to make it my aim to outsource my brain. This episode goes through some techy tools to help with admin. If
The Anseo.net Review of 2025
In this episode I offer a comprehensive review of Irish primary education for the year 2025. I cover various educational policies, initiatives, and challenges, spanning teacher shortages, special education crises, the hot meal scheme, religious influences in schools, and the controversial snow days. I discuss new policies introduced by the government, the effectiveness of the Department of Educati
AI Explains the 2025 School Year
Every time I open Google’s NotebookLM, it gets better and better. The graphic above was created using the app and I think it did a good job of summarising the year in a single graphic.The podcast didn’t do a bad job either though it fell into temptation a couple of times referring to issues at second level. However, all in all, I’m pretty pleased with it, and I’d love to know what you think. This
Interview 30: Amanda Jolliffe, Lead Microsoft Dream Space
In this episode of 'If I were the Minister for Education', I delve into the integration of AI in the Irish Primary Education System joined by Amanda Jolliffe, the lead of Microsoft Ireland's Dream Space, to discuss the influence of AI on education and the various innovative tools and programs offered by Dream Space. We explore how AI can assist both teachers and students, from lesson planning to c
What's the point of the Primary Ethos Survey?
In this episode of ‘If I Were the Minister for Education,’ I explore the recent survey conducted by the Irish Department of Education concerning primary school patronage. I also discuss the legacy left by former Minister Helen McEntee and give my initial thoughts on the new Minister Hildegarde Naughton. I raise questions about the survey’s efficacy, its democratic value, and its alignment with the
Interview 29: Debbie O'Neill (LIVE)
Debunking Myths in Special Education: A Live Discussion with Debbie O’Neill In the latest episode of ‘If I Were the Minister for Education,’ I welcome Debbie O’Neill, principal of a school for primary and secondary students with mild general learning disabilities. This live podcast covers topics ranging from the special education system in Ireland, the challenges faced by special schools, and debu
Guidance on Artificial Intelligence in Schools
It was too obvious not to do it. Let AI summarise the Department of Education’s guidance. Sure, while I’m at it, I may as well use AI to create the show notes:Explore the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI for primary educators and school leaders. We share practical examples, such as how a second class teacher can use Generative AI (GenAI) to create curriculum-aligned math activities, or how
Interview 27: Rozz Lewis
I couldn’t think of a better guest than Rozz Lewis for this podcast interview about the new ERB subject in the curriculum, mainly because we talk about it endlessly in our house. Rozz is not only my wife, but she is one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to this new subject and she is not afraid to hold back about her concerns as to how she thinks it could be more harm than good
SCABS: Are We Undermining the Strike Already?
In this episode, I explore the FORSA strike of school secretaries and caretakers, the glue of Irish schools. For over a century, their work has been underpaid, under-recognised, and taken for granted. Now, as they fight for pensions and parity, schools are left in vulnerable positions: keep schools open and potentially undermine the strike, or close them and face being the front page headline in t
Interview 26: Patrick Jackson, Picker Pals
Patrick Jackson is the CEO and Founder of Picker Pals World. The story goes that Patrick was walking his dog when he came across a seagull caught around the neck in some discarded fishing line. He managed to free the distressed bird. The very next day, in the same place, he found a litter picker-upper. Patrick started litter picking. Every day. Join me as I chat to Patrick about Picker Pals, the e
What we can learn from the UK when it comes to religion in schools
I've been writing about religious control of schools for well over a decade now, and I found that people tend to throw the same arguments out to me every time I talk about it. And there's a lot and lots of different arguments out there. The most common of which I think. And I could be wrong on this one, but the one that I'm hearing most of all these days is the argument that parents want Catholic
The Catholic Church Has the Least to Lose if Sacraments Leave Schools
We often hear the argument that the Church is determined to keep its grip on education. But if the sacraments were removed from the school day and shifted to after-school parish programmes, I’d argue the Catholic Church wouldn’t be the ones who’d lose out the most.There are, after all, a lot of people with a vested interest in keeping things just as they are.In this episode I explore who the real
Interview 26: Paula Korsnakova and Eliane Segers (IEA)
As educators, I wonder do we think much about the research that is done about education. I spoke with Paula Korsnakova and Eliane Segers from the IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement) to talk about educational research, with a focus on reading from digital devices. The following links may be useful if you'd like to learn more:https://www.iea.nl/publications/
Interview 25: Roisin Brady from LanguageNut
With the new MFL curriculum coming up, I thought I'd speak to someone who knows a thing or two about teaching languages. Róisín Brady from LanguageNut joined me to explain how she thinks the curriculum is going to work out.Find more: http://languagenut.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.co
The True Cost of Underfunding in Irish Primary Schools
In this episode, I explore the issue of underfunding in Irish primary schools, using the example of Sacred Heart Junior National School in Killinarden, Dublin, which announced it would operate remotely due to financial constraints. I delve into the history and structure of funding for primary schools, highlighting how the Department of Education's capitation grants have not kept pace with rising c
Who owns the solar panels in schools and why does nobody care?
On this week's show, I'll be talking about solar panels and schools, but maybe not from the angle you might be expecting. As many of you might know, the government decided that every school in the country would be given a set of solar panels. And the main talk from those in the profession has been why The decision was made that no matter what size your school is, you'll be getting the same number
Interview 24: Rob Barnett
Rob Barnett is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Modern Classrooms Project, a really interesting project which, at its core, tries to use technology for better human interaction and relationships in the classroom. Rob is a hugely impressive educator as you will hear in this episode but you can also watch him at this TEDx talk.Rob has also written a book, Meet Every Learners' Needs and ha
A Love Letter to the new Minister for Education
Despite my detective work, it looks like I was completely wrong about who the next Minister for Education was going to be and it's Helen McEntee who is our education minister.Join me as I write a letter telling Helen McEntee what I would love to see happening in the education system as she takes over from a depressing almost-decade of neglect. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss th
Interview 23: Muireann Sadlier
In this podcast episode, I interview Muireann Sadlier, the Director of Cyber Smarties Ireland, discussing the importance of keeping children safe online while teaching them to use the internet positively. Sadlier shares her extensive background in education, focusing on wellbeing and behaviour, and introduces Cyber Smarties, an app designed for primary schools that supports children's social skill
10 Reasons to Be Hopeful for Education in 2025
In this episode I reflect on the challenges faced by the primary education system in 2024 and offer ten reasons for possible optimism in 2025. Topics include improvements in special education, the potential of artificial intelligence in classrooms, the evolving role of patronage in schools, the impact of new educational technology, and the hope for a competent new Minister for Education. I also di
Review of the Year 2024 - July to December
If you have been listening to the first half of this episode where I covered the education stories from January to June, you'll notice that the first half of 2024 in schools was not exactly filled with hope. With special education slowly but surely been stripped away and the world falling apart with war. Could the second half of the year, bring some hope? Let see... This is a public episode. If y
Review of the Year 2024 - January to June
If there's nothing else you can say about the Minister for Education, Norma Foley. When we look back at 2024, it's likely she will feature heavily. Whether it was her crisis opportunity during the general election campaign or her 9 million Euro phone pouches, in this episode, join me as I look back on a year where the Department of Education were more interested in smartphones than teacher shorta
Who will be the next Minister for Education?
In this episode, I count down who I believe are the top ten front-runners to being the next Minister for Education. What position with Norma Foley come? Who do I tip to be the next Donagh O'Malley? Find out in an episode that's like to age very badly! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substack.com/subsc
My Election Manifesto
Don't worry, I'm not running in the General Election! You already have enough of me. However, theoretically, if I got to write a Manifesto, there are 4 main areas I would focus on:PatronageSpecial EducationFundingTeacher ShortageYou might be surprised by the first one... listen on your favourite podcast platform This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 6]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937026/de038653982386ef13a725a47018e46e.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 6]
In this final episode of Access Undone, I try to outline the ways I would reverse the damage that has been caused in the last decade by the Department of Education and NCSE. I explore three solutions and argue that if all three were implemented, it would save the agencies from being part of the 21st century's greatest education scandal and, even possibly put them in the same definition of Ireland
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 5]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937027/a093c192518e094aaa725dab4b60f928.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 5]
When I appeared on Virgin Media television's "Ireland's Education Crisis," I thought my phone would be buzzing from radio stations eager to find out why I thought the way we treat children with additional needs is Ireland's 21st century scandal. I didn't hear a single thing. It's a theme I'm getting used to when I raise special education: silence.In the same vein, in this episode, I try to get a l
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 4]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937028/47a62eb4d0eced0c78946508712a544c.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 4]
The AON Debacle and what it tells usIn this episode I cover the controversial Assessment of Need (AON) process which, to me, shows how the power of silence, supported by the illusion of partnership that representative bodies find themselves, brought us to a place where schools were forced to get the NCSE and the State out of a legal pickle. This episode gives a single point in the scandal, which g
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 3]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937029/9cde05e7026748410de3d5caaed0d17f.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 3]
Episode 3: Those with the greatest needsThe episode examines the troubling history of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and its policies, including the controversial cuts to resources and the implementation of flawed allocation models. I discuss the systematic mistreatment and exclusion of special needs children, likening it to past societal scandals.The episode dives into statisti
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 2]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937030/0fd20b0798a2759910184ca2f11b4d94.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 2]
Episode 2: Soft BarriersIn this episode I explore the role of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), a quango responsible for organising resources for special education. I trace the NCSE's establishment in 2003 and its subsequent decline in effectiveness, particularly since the detrimental effects of budget cuts since 2008. The NCSE's lack of adequate support, arbitrary allocation of r
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 1]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937031/a43b629692c4b32fbba2dd040848ff1e.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [Episode 1]
If you were to walk into any primary school and compared it to the classroom you might have sat in only a generation ago, apart from a big screen instead of a blackboard, the biggest difference you would see is the diversity of students in that room. One in four children in primary school have an additional need* and according to recent research over 45% of children with support needs are being fa
![Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [trailer]](https://substackcdn.com/feed/podcast/4848664/post/165937032/667c419c2080069832448f67901a34f0.jpg)
Access Undone: The Collapse of Special Education [trailer]
If you were to walk into any primary school and compared it to the classroom you might have sat in only a generation ago, apart from a big screen instead of a blackboard, the biggest difference you would see is the diversity of students in that room. One in four children in primary school have an additional need* and according to recent research over 45% of children with support needs are being fa
What do most schools mean when they say Religious Education?
You will not be surprised to hear that my first podcast of the 2024-2025 school year is about religion in schools. It's a topic I'm always coming back to and it never ceases to amaze me of how many different angles you can find from it. But what I want to explore in this episode is what do most schools mean when they talk about religion. Maybe a better title would have been, "What we talk about wh
Special Episode on Special Education
This week, I focus on the significant challenges within special education. I cover recently published inspectorate findings, testimonies from school principals, and a detailed report by a group of parents on the deteriorating state of special education. I discuss the lack of adequate resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and the ineffectiveness of new initiatives, emphasizing the dire need for proper s
Interview 22: Debbie O'Neill
I don't know about you, but when I think about Special Education, in general, I think about 3 options - mainstream, special classes and special schools. However, special schools are not simply a one-size-fits-all solution with lots of different types out there that cater for particular needs. This week I talk to Debbie O'Neill, principal of Scoil Eoin, a school for students with mild general learn
Israel/Gaza
In this episode, I examine the complex topic of teaching children about war, specifically focusing on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Drawing from my personal background and experiences, I explore the intricacies of discussing such sensitive subjects in the classroom. After that, something completely different as I preview my interview with Paudie Moore, The Teacher's Coach, on maintaining teacher wellb
Interview 21: Paudie Moore - The Teacher's Coach
Over the last couple of years I've chatted to a number of people about wellbeing in the classroom but usually from a child's point of view. And I've talked about resilience, growth mindset, all that kind of stuff. But one thing I'm always interested in is about a teacher's own wellbeing. I was really happy to be joined by Paudie Moore, aka The Teacher's Coach. And that's exactly what he specialise
The Perennial Family without a School Place
In this episode of 'If I Were the Minister for Education', I delve into the struggles faced by families in securing school placements for children with additional needs, the inefficiencies of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and the dynamics of religious education. I also look at what can be learned from Singapore's education system, following a visit by John Boyle. Show Notes, a
It's (unfortunately) all about the money
As Meja sang (I had to google her!), this episode is all about the money and it's all about the dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb decisions recently made by the Department of Education. I look at the School Book Grant, the Ancillary Grant, and look forward to the summer programme, all of which have had their funds cut. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get ac
Good GRACE!, Poland Bans Home, Warming to the Smartphone Ban
This week we talk about the divestment of the first Catholic school to Educate Together, followed by the findings of the Grace report, indicating a discrepancy between the religious beliefs of teachers and their roles in Catholic schools. While one commentator blames the teachers, another blames the whole Catholic community.Next, I discuss the Polish government’s ban on homework for primary studen
INTO Congress, Moral Panic and Gender, Book Grant Uncertainty
In this episode, I explore the landscape of primary education in Ireland, focusing on the outcomes of the INTO Congress, the ongoing conversations regarding gender identity in schools, and the looming uncertainties over the primary school book grant scheme. I delve into the controversies surrounding teacher compensation for overseas work, the dominance of religious control in education, and the so
After Josepha, Physical Aggression Rising, Estonia is the new Finland.
In this episode, I reflect on the implications of Josepha Madigan's departure as the Minister for Special Education and whether the position will ever exist again. I also ponder on the INTO's survey on physical aggression. Finally, we move to Estonia and explore why they are now kings and queens of Europe and why Ireland won't be the best education system in Europe by 2026. This is a public episod
Education News: Mid-March 2024
In this episode, I wonder about the quantum of SET agendas and why the IPPN has decided to go against its members. I discuss why the media have reduced a completely changed curriculum down to sex. Finally I deny that I've been looking through your bins. Links to articles discussed can be found on anseo.net This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access
Education News: Late February 2024
In this podcast episode, I discuss the challenges in special education, specifically the issues with school allocations and the ineffectiveness of the current system. I also delve into the expansion of the school transport system and the complications arising due to patronage. Lastly, I touch on the topic of Irish exemptions and the audit of schools with high exemption rates. Additionally, I refle
Education News: 1st half of February 2024
In this latest episode of the podcast 'If I were the Minister for Education', I explore the recent happenings within the Irish primary education system, discussing the aftermath of SET allocations and the implications this had on schools and teachers. The episode also delves into the issue of Irish school buildings being gifted to private religious bodies and assesses the impact of this decision.
SET Allocations - Were Children Screwed Over by the Algorithm?
In this episode of 'If I were the Minister for Education', I explore the current state of Irish primary education, particularly focusing on SET (Special Education Teaching) allocations. My research reveals that developing schools have been majorly overlooked in SET allocations, leading to a significant resource gap compared to non-developing schools. I discuss how there has been a minor increase i
Education News: 1st half of January 2024
Welcome to another kind of experimental version of the show because I have decided that I'm going to try and extend the podcast to YouTube - you can check the video version of it at https://www.youtube.com/@Anseo Show note are available on Anseo.net here: https://anseo.net/?p=19569Topics covered:Should School Summer Holidays be shorter?Gifting Solar Panels to the ChurchHaving a go at Private Schoo
The 50 Most Influential People in Education - Part 3
Back in 2011, The Irish Times published a list, which they deemed to be the 50 most influential people in education. I've been profiling them now for a while, and I've already done the top 10 numbers, 11 to 20, and now it's time for numbers. 21 to 30. Let's see, who's made the list and let me know what you think on anseo.net.All show notes available on: https://simonmlewis.medium.com/the-50-most-
Live Poetry Reading: The Children's School Lives Report 6
In this episode, I give a summary of the excellent Children's School Lives report (number 6!) which is focused on the curriculum and assessment. The document provides a comprehensive analysis of children's experiences in Irish primary schools. It focuses on how children engage with and perceive their school curriculum and assessment processes. The report details children's subject preferences, the
Episode 083: Scrap the Catholic Religious Certificate
Join me as I tackle a question that I feel we should be asking more often: Is the Catholic Certificate in Religious Education discriminatory? Following on from Peter Maguire's excellent article on the subject, I dive into all sides of the debate, chatting about the contents of the certificate, the challenges it poses for non-Catholics, and the arguments for and against its requirement. Strap in fo
Episode 082: Solve the Teacher Shortage Crisis
There is an unprecedented shortage of primary school teachers in Ireland, according to an Irish Times article after a joint survey from the INTO, IPPN and CPSMA revealed there are over 800 teaching positions left unfilled at the moment and it’s due to get worse. So, where are all the teachers and what would I do if I were the Minister for Education?Show notes: https://simonmlewis.medium.com 9OHgUb
Interview 20: Dan Carroll, Clever.com
In this special interview with the co-founder of Clever.com, Dab Carroll, I talk about all things Clever but also about the US education system. We also discuss his thoughts on technology in education and how to best use it.Clever.com is now available in Ireland so we talk about that decision too.To sign up to Clever Go! go to: https://www.getclever.com/go/ This is a public episode. If you'd like
The 50 most influential people in education — where are they now? (Part 2/5)
In this episode, I discuss the people that made it in 11th to 20th position in the Irish Times 2011 article and find out where they are now.Show notes and links can be found on my Medium channel: https://simonmlewis.medium.com/the-50-most-influential-people-in-education-where-are-they-now-part-2-5-a2679e119641 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a
Interview 19: Sarah Webb and Conor Bredin
Sarah Webb and Conor Bredin join me to discuss the fantastic Discover Irish Children's Books initiative (https://discoveririshkidsbooks.ie/) Join us as we delve into the world of kids' books and make some recommendations for some Irish authors you may not know. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit simonmlewis.substac
The 50 most influential people in education — where are they now? (Part 1/5)
Twelve years ago, the Irish Times published an article, out of the blue, which listed the top 50 most influential people in education. It was compiled over four weeks and the journalists stated that key figures (without naming them) were asked to compile their own lists confidentially. The names that featured were the most prominent on the lists. I thought it would be interesting to see where thes
Episode 081: What does inclusion really mean in a Catholic school?
One of my biggest bug bears is when a primary school calls itself inclusive. For one, in Ireland, it is impossible to be fully inclusive because schools are completely reliant on government funding and the allocation of resources. For example over 90% of schools in a self-assessed survey revealed that they didn’t have enough resources to support children with additional needs. Hardly inclusive but
Smartphone Bans and Schools Solving Societal Issues
Why are primary school teachers like me going on the radio talking about banning smartphones? In this episode I wonder why it is schools, yet again, being asked to police society.Blog Post: https://medium.com/@slewis7796/smartphone-bans-and-schools-solving-societal-issues-6e1273403c23 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, v
The Children’s School Lives study - Report 5
If you were listening to the last episode of If I Were the Minister for Education, you’ll know that I was talking about Artificial Intelligence and how I believed it was going to change everything. In the episode, I said I was going to try out A.I. to create an episode and this is the first one. So “A.I. Simon” is born - and because the tool I’m using isn’t able to recognise Irish accents yet, you
Episode 080: How Artificial Intelligence is Going to Transform Primary Education
Technology and education have a strange relationship in Ireland. If a teacher said to a parent or another teacher or anyone at all that they really didn’t like Maths so they don’t bother teaching it or using it, there would be uproar. And rightly so. However, even in 2023, you’ll still hear teachers saying they’re not that into technology so they don’t really use it in their classroom and no one b
Episode 079: Job Interviews - The Priest's Niece and the local GAA All-Star
Coming up to interview season, I was approached by someone that has been working in the system for a number of years and hasn’t managed to get a permanent post. You’ll probably be thinking, there must be a reason for that. Maybe this person is a raging heathen like myself or maybe this person is “difficult” but you’ll have to trust me when I tell you the person isn’t. They seemed, and I mean this
Interview 18: Mark Connaughton, KlaasKickz
What better way to celebrate my beloved Sheffield United's return to the Premier League than talking about soccer and education! In this interview, I talk to Mark Connaughton from KlaasKickz, a fantastic company that has produced a football boot to help teach children how to kick a football successfully. We talk all things soccer including what it takes to get to the top of a game, and how that ma
Who Needs Technology Funding Anyway?
Technology is central to most people’s work and lives and, for schools, it’s no different. Despite this, the Department of Education failed to provide a regular stream of funding for almost two decades after the launch of IT2000 in 1997. Former principal and early pioneer of educational technology, Robbie O'Leary, famously said that technology in primary schools has been funded almost completely b
Interview 17: Maxwell Roach - Lessons from Canada
I'm always giving out about our education system so when I got the opportunity to speak about the Canadian system, I was only happy to give Ireland a break for an episode. However, I didn't expect to meet someone with such a rich and fascinating history as Maxwell Roach. A former musician that worked with the likes of Beyoncé and then a move to baking bread, Maxwell now runs the JonAyves Learning
My Dream Job
The best talks I ever saw live happened in the same conference. It was the IPPN conference in 2012. Imagine this as a lineup - Mary Robinson, who needs no introduction; Michael Fullan, one of the world’s greatest thinkers in education; Ben Waldon, a Shakespearean actor who tours the world giving talks on leadership; and David Puttnam, the film director and a former advisor on education to the UK g
Interview 16: Joe Dale
When I think of podcasting, I think of two Joes: Joe Molloy, the retired Irish primary teacher who started podcasting before the word was invented in the late 1990's/early noughties; and also Joe Dale, one of the biggest names in education and podcasting in the world. I had the pleasure of having Joe on the podcast to talk about all things technology and he even offered to produce/edit the show fo
