CPD Courses.

In this short webinar, participants will learn what a Social Story/ narrative is, what they can be used for, their essential features, and how to write effective Social Stories/ narratives for the children that they work with.

Your voice is important to help develop the first SNA Workforce development plan.

Tá do ghuth tábhachtach chun cabhrú le céad Phlean Forbartha Lucht Saothair

About the SNA Workforce Development Plan

The Department recently announced the development of the SNA Workforce Development Plan, which will provide a strategic approach to policy development and will bring clarity and direction to the special needs assistant (SNA) service.

Chuir an roinn tús le hobair ar chéad Phlean Forbartha Lucht Saothair CRS a fhorbairt, a chuirfidh cur chuige straitéiseach ar fáil i leith forbairt beartais agus tabharfaidh sé soiléireacht agus treoir do sheirbhís an CRS.

Purpose of the focus group

Teachers are invited to attend a series of in-person focus groups that will be held at six Education Centres nationwide. There will be two focus groups per location, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The information from these groups will help inform policy in the SNA Workforce Development Plan.

Socraíodh sraith de fhócasghrúpaí (dhá fhócasghrúpa ar leith in aghaidh an tsuímh, ceann amháin ar maidin agus ceann eile san iarnóin) d’fhonn cloisteáil uait, an múinteoir.

Cabhrófar leis an t-eolas ó na grúpaí sin eolas a dhéanamh do bheartas i bPlean Forbartha Lucht Saothair CRS.

Your voice is important to help develop the first SNA Workforce development plan.

Tá do ghuth tábhachtach chun cabhrú le céad Phlean Forbartha Lucht Saothair

About the SNA Workforce Development Plan

The Department recently announced the development of the SNA Workforce Development Plan, which will provide a strategic approach to policy development and will bring clarity and direction to the special needs assistant (SNA) service.

Chuir an roinn tús le hobair ar chéad Phlean Forbartha Lucht Saothair CRS a fhorbairt, a chuirfidh cur chuige straitéiseach ar fáil i leith forbairt beartais agus tabharfaidh sé soiléireacht agus treoir do sheirbhís an CRS.

Purpose of the focus group

Teachers are invited to attend a series of in-person focus groups that will be held at six Education Centres nationwide. There will be two focus groups per location, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

The information from these groups will help inform policy in the SNA Workforce Development Plan.

Socraíodh sraith de fhócasghrúpaí (dhá fhócasghrúpa ar leith in aghaidh an tsuímh, ceann amháin ar maidin agus ceann eile san iarnóin) d’fhonn cloisteáil uait, an múinteoir.

Cabhrófar leis an t-eolas ó na grúpaí sin eolas a dhéanamh do bheartas i bPlean Forbartha Lucht Saothair CRS.

This webinar is designed specifically for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) dedicated to supporting students with diverse needs.

Four Innovative Ideas to Energise Your School's Sustainability Efforts

(for Primary and Post-Primary Teachers, Senior Leaders, Year Heads, Green-School Coordinators, Sustainability Coordinators)

Wednesday, 25th September 2024 from 7pm - 8pm

Four efficient, effective and fun ways to take action and create meaningful change in your school. We will be showcasing ideas and projects successfully tried and tested in other schools.

Learn about the Flora and Fauna with a Local Nature Walk in Dublin 24!

This webinar is aimed at all Post Primary Student Council Liaison Teachers, particularly those newly appointed.

This webinar will guide SNAs through the process of developing effective PPPs, from initial assessment to implementation and review.

This course provides a range of strategies to teachers to promote literacy in their school.

PPAD-E (Webinar)

Tuesday, 1st October 2024 from 4.15pm - 5.15pm

This one-hour webinar aims to provide information and to signpost the Post-Primary Assessment and Diagnosis – English (PPAD-E).

The PPAD-E is a standardised assessment of literacy skills in English for use in Irish post-primary schools. It is normed for use in the autumn term with First Year students. The PPAD-E tests spelling, reading comprehension, writing samples, reading speed and word reading. It includes an online scoring and reporting tool that generates summary group and individual reports outlining a range of evidence-based SET interventions and research-validated in-class approaches.

This webinar is an overview on how to tackle the written sections on the Leaving Cert Higher Level German Exam.

Plant for the Planet Campaign

Foster Community and Action by Planting Trees

(for Primary and Post-Primary)

Wednesday, 2nd October 2024 from 7pm - 8pm

Join us for an inspiring workshop dedicated to the power of native Irish trees in nurturing our communities and combating climate change. We will explore what to plant, when to plant, where to plant, and how to plant effectively.

The webinar will provide teachers with an extensive breakdown of how to teach students to write SRPs for the LC geography exam and how to use the marking scheme to maximize the marks students can pick up.

This webinar is suitable for Post Primary School Leaders, Teachers, SETs, SNAs & Parents

PPAD-E (Webinar)

Thursday, 3rd October 2024 from 4.15pm - 5.15pm

This one-hour webinar aims to provide information and to signpost the Post-Primary Assessment and Diagnosis – English (PPAD-E).

The PPAD-E is a standardised assessment of literacy skills in English for use in Irish post-primary schools. It is normed for use in the autumn term with First Year students. The PPAD-E tests spelling, reading comprehension, writing samples, reading speed and word reading. It includes an online scoring and reporting tool that generates summary group and individual reports outlining a range of evidence-based SET interventions and research-validated in-class approaches.

Introducing Trauma Informed Practice – The Stress Factor Getting The Balance Right (Webinar) (P & PP)

Monday, 7th October 2024 from 4.30pm - 5.30pm

This training is a taster information session for online eLearning training which focuses on a whole school and class approach to Trauma Informed practice.

It explores stress and its impact on wellbeing learning and behaviour.  It provides practical advice on how best to manage stress for all in the school community including children and young people with additional needs and those who have experienced trauma.   

Having completed this course school leaders will have gained an insight into:

• how stress affects learning and wellbeing
• the impact of adversity on the ability to tolerate stress
• the impact of prolonged stress on health and wellbeing
• recognising how stress may be expressed through behaviour
• what school staff can do to identify, prevent and minimize possible sources of stress in the school environment
• how school staff can support children and young people who have become dysregulated due to stress
• the importance of recognising and managing their own sources of stress and that of staff

Participants will be given information on a new eLearning course which has been developed to allow for self-directed, self-paced learning for all staff.

ECOED 4ALL - Sustainable Farming and Agriculture

(for Primary and Post-Primary)

Tuesday, 8th October 2024 from 7pm - 8.30pm

This webinar focuses on the links between Agriculture and Climate Change. We will discuss:

• Agriculture and Climate Change
• Future of Sustainable Farming
• Biogas
• Farming and the Circular Economy

Artivism - Using Creativity as a Vehicle for Change

(for Post-Primary)

Wednesday, 9th October 2024 from 7pm - 8.00pm

In this workshop, Molly will illustrate how creativity can be used as a vehicle to engage young people with social and environmental issues. She will demonstrate how design thinking can empower solution-based thinking and encourage action projects.

The webinar will provide teachers with an extensive breakdown of how to write LC history paragraphs and how to use the marking scheme to maximize the marks students can pick up.

Reluctant School Attendance (Webinar) (PP)

Thursday, 10th October 2024 from 4.15pm - 5.30pm

This one-hour webinar aims to provide information to schools on how to manage Reluctant School Attendance and School Avoidance Behaviour.

Reluctant attendance and school avoidance behaviour describes students’ reluctance to go to school, being late for school/absent from school regularly, or for long periods of time and partial absences.  NEPS have developed guidance documents to support schools and parents.

The webinar will orient attendees to these guidance documents for parents and schools and provide schools with information and best practice for schools in supporting students to attend and stay in school. 

Roots, Shoots and Blossoms : How an ecological lens on stress and trauma can help Schools

(for Post-Primary - but Primary teachers would also benefit)

Wednesday, 16th October 2024 from 7pm - 8.30pm

This interactive workshop by Joanne a psychotherapist, Eco therapist and trauma specialist, will increase your knowledge of how contact with nature can regulate the nervous system, reduce stress and improve attention. The workshop will showcase activities that deepen connection and passion for the environment.

This webinar is an ideal starting point for both primary and secondary teachers considering going for an AP post or senior leadership position or those who have been successful in such interviews and need to put a strategy in place for the coming year.

Face-to-face: Learn about growing a selection of seasonal vegetables such as Broadbeans, Onions, Garlic, Brocolli and others most suitable for the school garden.

Understanding & Supporting Literacy Difficulties/Dyslexia (Webinar) (PP)

Thursday, 17th October 2024 from 4.15pm - 5.45pm

Based on the NEPS resource Supporting Pupils with Literacy Difficulties using the Continuum of Support (Post-Primary), this webinar provides an overview of how schools can adopt a problem-solving approach to support pupils who experience difficulties with literacy, including pupils with dyslexia. 

Learning Outcomes include:

• Develop an understanding of how to support pupils who experience literacy difficulties, including pupils with dyslexia, at the levels of Whole School and Classroom Support (for All), School Support (for Some) and School Support (Plus) for a Few.
• Develop an understanding of how the problem-solving approach can be applied to the processes of identification, assessment, intervention, and monitoring of response to intervention, at each level of the Continuum of Support.

Provide information on evidence-informed approaches to supporting pupils with literacy difficulties, including pupils with dyslexia.

This webinar will provide SNAs with a deep understanding of the unique needs of students with Down Syndrome and equip them with practical strategies to enhance learning and development in inclusive educational settings.

This in person (FACE-TO-FACE) training is suitable for anyone over the age of 18

This webinar will provide SNAs with essential knowledge and practical strategies to create an inclusive, safe, and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ students.

ECOED 4ALL - The Circular Economy

(for Primary and Post-Primary)

Tuesday, 5th November 2024 from 7pm - 8.30pm

This webinar will focus on consumerism culture and its impact on the environment. The concept of the Circular Economy will be discussed and how it links to sustainability, environmental protection, waste as a resource and social justice.

In this webinar series, we will explore how GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-pilot, and Perplexity-AI can be used to support the planning, teaching, and learning of LC Science subjects.

Growing Fit Organically with Colman Power

(for Primary and Post-Primary)

Wednesday, 6th November 2024 from 7pm - 8.00pm

Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of starting a school garden? Channel the energy and enthusiasm of Colman Power, a social media sensation making organic growing cool and highlighting the connection between fitness, mental health, and sustainable living. Join us to discover how you can effortlessly grow and make a positive impact!

Face-to-face: We will be learning about growing a variety of spring bulbs to give interest from February to June and how to use these in the school grounds.

Understanding & Supporting Literacy Difficulties/Dyslexia (Webinar) (PP)

Thursday, 7th November 2024 from 4.15pm - 5.45pm

Based on the NEPS resource Supporting Pupils with Literacy Difficulties using the Continuum of Support (Post-Primary), this webinar provides an overview of how schools can adopt a problem-solving approach to support pupils who experience difficulties with literacy, including pupils with dyslexia. 

Learning Outcomes include:

• Develop an understanding of how to support pupils who experience literacy difficulties, including pupils with dyslexia, at the levels of Whole School and Classroom Support (for All), School Support (for Some) and School Support (Plus) for a Few.
• Develop an understanding of how the problem-solving approach can be applied to the processes of identification, assessment, intervention, and monitoring of response to intervention, at each level of the Continuum of Support.

Provide information on evidence-informed approaches to supporting pupils with literacy difficulties, including pupils with dyslexia.

This webinar will outline the protective factors in supporting children, as well as offering a number of evidence-based coping strategies that children can use to help them to feel safe, strong, and confident.

Introducing Trauma Informed Practice – The Stress Factor Getting The Balance Right (Webinar) (P & PP)

Tuesday, 12th November 2024 from 4.30pm - 5.30pm

This training is a taster information session for online eLearning training which focuses on a whole school and class approach to Trauma Informed practice.

It explores stress and its impact on wellbeing learning and behaviour.  It provides practical advice on how best to manage stress for all in the school community including children and young people with additional needs and those who have experienced trauma.   

Having completed this course school leaders will have gained an insight into:

• how stress affects learning and wellbeing
• the impact of adversity on the ability to tolerate stress
• the impact of prolonged stress on health and wellbeing
• recognising how stress may be expressed through behaviour
• what school staff can do to identify, prevent and minimize possible sources of stress in the school environment
• how school staff can support children and young people who have become dysregulated due to stress
• the importance of recognising and managing their own sources of stress and that of staff

Participants will be given information on a new eLearning course which has been developed to allow for self-directed, self-paced learning for all staff.

In this webinar series, we will explore how GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-pilot, and Perplexity-AI can be used to support the planning, teaching, and learning of LC Science subjects.

COP29: How do we engage students with politics?

(for Primary and Post-Primary)

Wednesday, 13th November 2024 from 7pm - 8pm

Young people who are not yet at voting age have power to influence politicians and those in their community who can vote. Join this discussion where we explore how schools can encourage students to engage with politics and empower them to realise their own potential to effect social change.

Questioning recycling through a global justice lens

(for Post-Primary)

Wednesday, 19th November 2024 from 7pm - 8pm

All their lives, students have been encouraged to recycle as much waste as possible. But how ethical is this really? Where does recycling go? And how does it affect other people? This session will support teachers to challenge students' assumptions about their consumption by exploring waste as a global justice question.

In this webinar series, we will explore how GenAI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-pilot, and Perplexity-AI can be used to support the planning, teaching, and learning of LC Science subjects.

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, this course reflects on key themes within an AI-enthused classroom, focusing on supporting academics in the GenAI era.

ECOED 4ALL - Biodiversity

(for Post-Primary)

Tuesday, 3rd December 2024 from 7pm - 8.30pm

Explore the journey of Biodiversity from its early evolution to the current day crisis. Discover how biodiversity supports our survival and wellbeing and what actions we can take to protect all species on Earth, including humans.

• What is biodiversity?
• How did it evolve?
• Why are we losing it?
• How does it help us survive?
• How can we protect it?

Tackling Current Issues

(for Post-Primary Teachers)

Wednesday, 4th December 2024 from 4.30pm - 6.30pm

With the myriad of crises that society is facing from climate change to conflict, we as educators need the right tools and right ways to approach these issues in a safe and balanced way in the classroom. This workshop will help to do exactly that leaving the students with a sense of hope and not doom and gloom.

We Need to Talk about Fundraising

(for Post-Primary Teachers)

Tuesday, 10th December 2024 from 4.00pm - 6.00pm

Fundraising is a popular way for students to help. This workshop is about how we can put fundraising in context for the students and scaffold fundraising activities with teaching and learning while also offering other ways in which students can take meaningful action to play their part in changing the world.