Orlaith O’Neill

Gaelscoil na bhFál
  
Subject:  Rang 1.
Your place of birth: Belfast.
Studied at: St. Dominic’s, University of Ulster, St Mary’s University College.
First job: Waitress.
What it taught me: The ability to work as a team, the importance of good communication skills and to always value your position within the work place.
Family/status: Mother.
Best advice anyone ever gave you: To thine own self be true – Granda Liam.
Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Research your course/degree path and ensure it is the best option for you. Reach out to others within that profession and ask for advice.
  
I started working in Gaelscoil na bhFál 11 years ago as a classroom assistant, at this time I was also doing the diploma/degree course at the University of Ulster. On completion of my part-time degree I accepted a place at St Mary’s University College on the TICO/PGCE course.
I am a mother to two wonderful daughters, Aoife and Aoibhinn, they were and will continue to be my inspiration in life, but especially to pursue a dream career as a teacher within the Irish medium education sector. I am currently a Rang 1 teacher in Gaelscoil na bhFál and feel exceptionally fortunate and appreciative to the school and my wonderful colleagues for all the support and guidance over the years and now as a recently qualified teacher. It is a truly special school with an amazing community spirit, my daughters also attend and I could not think of anywhere else I’d rather be.
I love my job and feel very privileged for the role I have in the lives of those wonderful children I teach each day. I feel humbled for this nomination and also very proud to have even been nominated.