Pictured Back L-R: Prof. Pascal Du Plantard, University of Rennes 2; Didier Perret, University of Rennes 2; Donncha O'Treasaigh, LCETB; and Dr Mariano Sanz Prieto, Siglo22. Front L-R: Ciara Ní Dhrisceoil, LCETB; Dr Emma O’Brien, Associate Professor and Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies in Education, MIC; Prof. Emer Ring, Dean of Education, MIC; and Prof. Linda Daniela, University of Latvia.
The IDEAL Futures Teacher Academy—a pan-European collaboration led by Dr Emma O’Brien, Associate Professor and Director of Taught Postgraduate Studies in Education at Mary Immaculate College (MIC)—has launched a suite of free micro-credential courses designed to enhance digital leadership across the education sector.
The Academy, co-funded by the European Union, emerged in response to an urgent and clearly identified need following the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the pervasiveness of AI and the increased importance of placing an emphasis on a human and ethical approach to digital education, the Academy incorporates these elements to support the holistic development of digital leaders in emerging educational contexts.
Education leaders are central in supporting staff, students and parents in a constantly changing digital environment. It is imperative that they are supported to a broad range of skill, not only in technology but the in digital planning, digital teaching. Learning & assessment, digital inclusion as well as ethics, human skills and emerging technologies such as AI and immersive learning.
According to Dr Emma O’Brien: “The IDEAL Future suite of professional learning has a range of modes to enable educators from a variety of different backgrounds to engage and upskill in the area of digital educational leadership with experts and teachers across Europe. In addition, learners can choose how they would like their learning recognised choosing from ECTS, European Certification in Digital Educational Leadership and Reflective practice. The programmes are based on the competencies in the European DigCompEdu framework with an additional focus on AI, Ethics and Human Centred approaches to digital educational leadership which are integrated into all of our professional learning activities. This ensures that the professional learning educators will engage with as part of this teacher academy is at the forefront of digital education.”
To achieve its mission, the Academy offers a robust programme of professional development activities and serves as a collaborative hub that bridges educators, policymakers, and the digital technology sector across Europe. Grounded in a design-based research approach, it nurtures transformative dialogue and drives forward innovative practices in digital education. At its core, the initiative responds to the pressing need to reconceptualise digital learning as a holistic and inclusive ecosystem—one that supports the diverse needs of the entire school community.
Welcoming the launch of the IDEAL FUTURE: European Teacher Academy initiative, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools for Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, said:
"We are delighted to see the launch of this innovative initiative. The IDEAL FUTURE partnership across European states represents a fantastic opportunity for our educators to become certified digital pedagogical leaders and digital educational leaders. It will help us meet the challenges of the digital age by enhancing our skills in areas such as digital resources, teaching and learning, and assessment, all while gaining valuable experience with cutting-edge technologies, including AI."
Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education at MIC adds:
“At MIC, we believe that strong digital educational leadership is vital across early years, primary and post-primary settings. Through the IDEAL Futures Teacher Academy, we are enabling educators from all these sectors to engage in transformative professional growth, strengthening their capacity to lead innovation, inclusion and change in their school communities.”
As part of its professional learning suite, IDEAL Futures is offering:
- Five Micro Credits in total - four offered by MIC and one by the University of Latvia.
- Five Self-Study Courses being released per month on the IDEAL Future Collaborative hub
- Five Live Learning Events per month
These courses are free of charge, though places are limited, so educators across early years, primary, and post-primary sectors are encouraged to register early to secure a place on one of the micro credential courses. Registration details and further information can be accessed on the IDEAL Futures website or by visiting the Academy’s online hub.
The Academy partners include MIC, LCETB, the University of Latvia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Fundación Siglo22, and Université Rennes 2.
