New Irish medium and Gaeltacht schools teachers invited to an annual MIC & COGG conference

New Teachers appointed to Irish medium and Gaeltacht schools are invited to an annual conference being hosted by COGG and MIC

A conference for newly qualified teachers and new teachers to the immersion education sector, in all-Irish and Gaeltacht primary and post-primary schools, will take place at Mary Immaculate College (MIC) on the 11 October 2025. The conference is being organised by COGG, An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta, and MIC, Limerick.

The conference will be held on the MIC Limerick campus where new teachers in the immersion sector, primary and post-primary education will have the opportunity to come together for professional learning with guest speakers, practitioners, and teachers in the immersion education sector. There will be particular emphasis on the responsibilities of the newly qualified teacher as they engage in the induction process, Droichead.

The Chief Executive of COGG, Jaqueline Ní Fhearghusa, said:  “We started this conference last year and there was great interest from newly qualified teachers. This year we welcome newly qualified teachers and new teachers to the immersion education sector. There will be excellent opportunities for teachers to come together, listen to guest speakers, practitioners, and teachers, and learn about best practices in Gaeltacht schools, Gaelscoileanna, and Gaelcholáistí. More importantly, they should feel that there is support and guidance available to them as they begin their journey and professional life through Irish and in Gaeltacht and immersion education settings. We wish every success to the conference and to the newly qualified teacher and new teachers in the immersion education sector”.

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The Dean of Education at MIC, Professor Emer Ring, stated: “We are very pleased to welcome the Conference for Newly Qualified Teachers again this year in partnership with An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta. The first conference last year successfully initiated this vital work, supporting the professional learning opportunities of newly qualified teachers in all-Irish and Gaeltacht schools. This year’s conference has developed further, welcoming new teachers to the all-Irish and Gaeltacht education sector, not just newly qualified teachers. We recognise the critical importance of supporting teachers on the continuum of education for teachers, and this event provides an opportunity for teachers to come together to explore major issues and best practices in the sector collaboratively”.

Dr Róisín Ní Mhulláin, Toirdealbhach Ó Lionáird (COGG), Dr Karen Ní Chlochasaigh, and Caoimhe Nioclás (MIC) are on the planning committee for the conference. On behalf of the committee and the College, Dr Karen Ní Chlochasaigh said: “We are working with COGG to provide a conference that addresses the specific needs of newly qualified teachers and new teachers entering the immersion education sector in all-Irish and Gaeltacht schools and how to practically support them based on their professional learning needs. This is a fantastic opportunity to share expertise and experience specifically related to all-Irish and Gaeltacht education, and we are pleased that teachers working in the sector will be with us to share practical talks and best practice”.

Attendance on the day may be part of the Additional Professional Learning Activities, subject to Droichead policy, after consulting with the School Career Support Team.