Colleen McCarthy

Mercy College Belfast  

Subject or Primary School Year: Year 8 (Special Provision Autism)

Place of Birth: Belfast

Where you studied: Liverpool Hope University 

What was your first job? Barrett Shoe Shop

Family/Status: Married.

Best advice you would give to someone thinking of a teaching career:  Build good relationships when working with children, as it creates a foundation of trust, security, and engagement in the learning process. When children feel valued and understood, they are more likely to participate. In my 12 years as a learning support assistant, I find that taking the time to understand each child's interests, strengths, and challenges allows for meaningful relationships and has allowed the children I have worked with to flourish. 

Colleen has four children who mean the world to her. She is a Learning Support Assistant in Mercy College where she has worked for 12 years. She attended this school as a pupil herself from age 11 to 18. Colleen currently works in Special Provision Autism class within a mainstream school and this is her sixth year in this role. She absolutely loves her job and has seen first-hand that when a child with special educational needs gets the support that they deserve that they can be the best versions of themselves.

Every day, Colleen has the opportunity to support, encourage, and empower children who need that extra bit of guidance. Seeing their progress, no matter how small, brings a deep sense of fulfilment.