MIC Thurles Summer School

Organised in collaboration with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), this year’s Summer School is thoughtfully designed and aimed at school leaders, middle leaders, and teachers, particularly those with leadership aspirations.

One of the implications of the complex nature of contemporary school leadership responsibilities in the ever-evolving education landscape is that school leadership roles are perceived as daunting by highly skilled education practitioners who possess the ability to do well as school leaders.

This year’s Summer School is designed to provide opportunities for school leaders across the education spectrum to share their leadership experiences, while also providing a space for aspiring school leaders to learn and explore some of the realities of leading a school. The Summer School will also provide opportunities for school leaders, middle leaders, teachers and educational researchers to collaboratively explore, learn, and network for future collaborations. This will be achieved through series of panel discussions on related topics, educational research presentations, and teacher led project presentations.

Registration for the Thurles Summer School is now closed.

National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD)

The NAPD is very excited to collaborate with MIC Thurles for their Summer School 2025. This initiative presents a valuable opportunity to demystify the role of principal for aspiring leaders, providing them with insights into the complexities and responsibilities of school leadership. By offering a platform for professional development and open discussion, we aim to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their careers confidently. This collaboration is particularly important as it fosters a new generation of school leaders who are well-prepared to positively impact their school communities and address the evolving challenges of education today.

 Rachel O'Connor, Deputy Director, NAPD

Keynotes and Special Guests

• Dr Mary Nihill, Director of Leadership – Oide
• Professor Claire Lyons, James Madison University, USA
• Clodagh Kelly, CEO, Tipperary Education and Training Board
• Dr Finn O’Murchu
• Dr Sharon Coffey
• Orla Jackson, Oide Leadership

Panellists

• John Cullinane, School Principal
• Kevin Langton, School Principal
• Tracie Tobin, School Principal
• Lorraine Lowry, School Principal Special School
• Elaine Brady, Deputy Principal, St Wolstan's
• Dr. Sharon Coffey, Prinicpal, Kilkenny & Carlow ETB
• Anthony Reynolds, Deputy Principal, Presentation Secondary School, Kilkenny
• Susan McGann, Principal, Galway & Roscommon ETB
• Regina Butler, Principal, Scoil Mhuire, Cork
• Brian Goggins, Principal, Louth & Meath ETB