Michael O'Leary - Position: National Co-ordinator, Transition Year Programme, Second Level Support Service.National TY Programme Co-ordinator
What's it like to work in the transition year support programme? It is very satisfying to work in a job that facilitates my own professional development and that of other teachers. The main focus of my job is to work face to face with teachers in the development of suitable resources for TY. I also have a lot of contact with a broad cross-section of agencies from business, Government and the community. Our service is designed to drive the continuous development of the TY programme, which is growing every year.
How does this job compare to your last job? Prior to this I taught maths and chemistry at second level and I see this job as an extension of my teaching job. I still consider myself a teacher, although at the moment I am working with other teachers instead of with students. It's very interesting for me to share ideas and resources with so many teachers from all around the country and the experience will enhance my approach to teaching, I believe.
What's the hardest part of your job? Travel and time management are two difficult areas for me. I tend not to think of administrative activities such as planning as part of the job, so they can easily end up creeping into the evenings and weekends.
What's the best part of your job? Returning to a school that we have worked with to find it has implemented the programme we worked on and seen an improvement in its TY delivery.
There is great collegiality in this job, with teachers and educators from all over the country getting together to share their insights and achieve better outcomes for students.
Who is your education idol? In the context of TY it would have to be educational psychologist Howard Gardner. He framed the multiple intelligence theory, which is such an important part of the TY programme. When I am explaining the programme I often use Gardner's theories to clarify our approach - that the year aims to broaden the educational experience and give every student an opportunity to experience success.
If you could change one thing about your job what would it be? I would like to see more people doing my job.
What's unique about your job? I feel very privileged to be co-ordinating a national programme that research shows has such a deep impact on the development of young people. I'm in there at the cutting edge and I'm looking forward to seeing the development of the programme over the coming years. I feel I'm here at a crucial stage in the TY programme.
