12 November 2018
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
FÉILTE 2018 celebrated innovation in the teaching profession
Almost 800 teachers and members of the public celebrated innovation in teaching and learning at FÉILTE 2018 (the Festival of Education in Learning and Teaching Excellence) which took place over two days at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick on the 5th and 6th October. Hosted by the Teaching Council, FÉILTE, which is now in its sixth year, is the largest gathering of teachers in Ireland.
The event was opened by President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, who also spent time meeting with teachers who showcased their work during the festival. Senator Lynn Ruane and Wexford Hurling Manager Davy Fitzgerald delivered keynote speeches.
At the heart of FÉILTE were 60 showcases and 15 interactive workshops spanning projects from across the education sector, demonstrating the innovation and creativity that is taking place in schools across Ireland today.
Máire Lineen, Council Member of The Teaching Council with Brian Glanville, Liam Murray, Eamon Lenihan of Little Island NS Cork. Feilte Picture Conor McCabe Photography
Regina Butler, Seán McMahon of Scartleigh National School and Scoil Mhuire, Cork. Feilte Picture Conor McCabe Photography
Noelle Moran, Chairperson of The Teaching Council of Ireland and Cormach Cahill of Carrigaline Educate Together National School, Cork. Feilte Picture Conor McCabe Photography
The festival also contained Teachmeets, and Researchmeets, as well as panel discussions on ‘Education: pedagogy of the oppressed or pathway to freedom?’ and the impact of technology on the 21st classroom, chaired by academic Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.
For the first time the festival also featured a Féilte Fringe which brought a new social angle to the event.
Speaking about the event, Teaching Council Director, Tomás Ó Ruairc said: “FÉILTE has grown to be the largest gathering of teachers in Ireland and provides a platform for teachers to share their professional innovations and insights, not only with each other but with parents and students and the wider public. FÉILTE is about giving all of that work a platform, and celebrating the effort, commitment and ingenuity of the teachers involved”.