MIC Thurles Summer School

In becoming the first woman to hold the post of chief inspector, Yvonne took up her role as Chief Inspector in 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Carysfort College, a Master of Education degree from Maynooth University, and the degree of Barrister-at-Law from the Honourable Society of Kings' Inns. Yvonne has also undertaken further studies in inspection and regulation at the Institute of Education, University of London, and leadership studies at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Tom O'Donoghue is Professor Emeritus of Education in the Graduate School of Education, the University of Western Australia. He is a native of Waterford and is an elected fellow of both the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and of the Royal Historical Society (UK). He specialises in the history of education in the English-speaking world, with particular reference to the history of teachers and the process of education in faith-based schools. Another strand in his work is concerned with examining the historical antecedents of various contemporary educational issues.

Dr. Lynn Ramsey was appointed Director of the Teaching Council in 2023. She previously worked as Director of MicroCreds - the Irish Universities Association's (IUA) national lifelong learning framework for accredited micro-credential qualifications. Lynn was Chair of the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, a Board Member of the Higher Education Authority and co-chairs the Bologna Follow-Up Group Working Group on Learning and Teaching. She holds a PhD in EU law from the University of Glasgow, a Masters of Education in Leadership and Management from Trinity College Dublin and has held academic and leadership positions in universities in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Arlene Forster is Chief Executive of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). A graduate of Stranmillis University College, Arlene began her career as a primary school teacher. She taught at all class levels, working in multi-grade and single-grade settings, and contributed to school and curriculum development as part of the middle leadership team. Having completed postgraduate studies in University College Dublin, Arlene joined the NCCA in 2001. Through her roles as Education Officer (2001-2002), Director (2003-2015) and Deputy CEO (2016-2020), she led work in areas such as curriculum review, assessment, reporting to parents, language, mathematics, science and the development of Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. Arlene was appointed CEO in late 2020.

John Kearney was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the NCSE in 2022 and before that he was Chief Executive of Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board. John progressed the delivery of a multi-million Regional Capital Investment Programme having overseen significant increases in post primary enrolments. John fronted the partnering of further education and training services with employers to deliver targeted upskilling programmes, and has led the delivery of successful administration pilots with Education Shared Business Services. He has a wide-ranging wealth of experience in education developments at national level.