This seminar will explore the challenges of being a Teaching Principal. It will look at practical ways of creating time and space to meet the demands of the dual role.

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
- Stephen Covey

Facilitator: Shane O’Donnell

Shane graduated from St. Patricks College in 1988. He initially worked in various schools in Dublin before securing a permanent position in Holy Family NS, Monkstown Farm, Dun Laoghaire. He taught there for twelve years before becoming teaching principal in Glenealy NS, Co. Wicklow. He spent six years in Wicklow before the lure of his native county brought him home in 2012. He is currently teaching principal of Scoil Bhríde, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon.
He is interested in all sports, particularly gaelic games, and is involved in a number of capacities with his club Roscommon Gaels.

Facilitator: Jack Durkan M.Ed

Jack was Principal in Togher Boys’ School until 2016 when he retired to take up a position with IPPN’s Leadership Support Team. Jack completed his B. Ed degree in Mary Immaculate College and holds a Master’s Degree in School Leadership and School Management from the University of Hull.

He is an Associate on the PDST Leadership Team working mainly on the Misneach Programme. He is a Lecturer and Tutor on the Maynooth University Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership & Management Programme (Future Leaders Programme). He is also a member of the CSL Mentor Training Team.

He is a trained Relationship Counsellor and a qualified Executive Coach and Mentor.

He is presently Chairperson BOM of Blarney St CBS in Cork.