Michael McCullough

 St Gerards Special School & Support Services 
 
Subject:  Key stage 1 
Your place of birth: Belfast 
Studied at:  UUJ & UUC 
First Job: Ulster council development officer 
What it taught me: That just because someone has a job title does not mean they can do the job! 
Family/status: Married with kids 
Best advice anyone ever gave you,  If you do not give up, you will never lose... You might run out of time, but you will never lose 
Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Stick out the PGCE... It is a tough year but after that it is well worth it.  
 
I was born and raised on Falls Road in West Belfast. Growing up in a working-class area, I always tried to push myself to be the best that I could be, and this is something I took with me to my teaching career. Each child that walks through those school doors and into my care, I push them to never give up. I am lucky to work as P2&P3 teacher in St. Gerard Special School with the hardest working people I have ever met. During the pandemic I was touched by how younger members of staff went out of their way to protect the welfare of the students as they give up a lot in their social lives. We have incredibly passionate staff that go above and beyond every day for our kids and it makes me proud to be a part of such a great school! 

Growing up I attended St Mary's CBGS, where I got a great education. From a young lad, sport has always been a huge interest of mine. I have worked hard, and I have achieved great things, I won an All-Ireland Senior Title with Rossa Camogs as a coach which I am extremely proud off. As a player, I won an Antrim and Ulster Senior Title with Rossa.