The Not-So-Secret Diary of a Teacher in Lockdown with Irish Primary Teacher
Niamh Byrne, primary school teacher, lover of polka dots and all things stationery. I run ‘Irish Primary Teacher’. I qualified from Mary I in 2011 and have taught in Waterford, Brighton and currently in Dublin in a senior school. I love teaching Maths and do some part time lecturing on maths competency in Marino Institute of Education.
Recently published the ‘Irish Primary Teacher Planner’ in English and as Gaeilge with ABC School Supplies and my first EPV approved summer course with Rahoo which will run this summer.
Last summer I wrote my first ebook ‘The NQT Year’. This summer it will be available in hard copy too!
My alarm goes off…
At the moment with school closures, I don’t have an alarm. During normal school days, my alarm goes off at 6.45am and I leave my house by 7.15/7.20am usually.
I am responsible for…
This year I taught 5th class, a wonderful group of 27 boys and girls. I’m also a member of the Droichead PST and support newly qualified teachers in my school. I also run ‘Irish Primary Teacher’ and support thousands of teachers around Ireland each week with ideas and advice through my website and also on my social media pages.
My typical day…
I get up at around 9am and do a Youtube workout or go for a walk. During lockdown I’ve been spending a lot of time on Seesaw supporting my class. We have a weekly 5th class zoom (there are 7 5th class teachers in my school) where we plan the following week. I’ve also been working a lot on Irish Primary Teacher, I’m working on a lot of projects such as courses and books which will hopefully be available soon. The evenings are spent out walking, catching up with friends on Zoom or watching Netflix!
The best part of my job…
Seeing the progress the children make whether that’s academic work or being able to regulate their emotions or reactions when they feel upset/angry/frustrated. Seeing the children use strategies that you’ve taught and modelled. The ‘light bulb’ moments when things finally click and they understand a new concept.
The most challenging part of my job is…
Switching off. I think with teaching there is a never ending to do list and it’s very hard to just switch off at the end of a busy day when you’re worried about a child/parent/ meeting or just have so many different things that you need to complete.
I am inspired by…
My colleagues. I love ‘magpieing’ ideas from them and sharing things that work.
After work…
I love going out for dinner and I can’t wait to be able to do that again once restaurants open. Watching Netflix, having a cup of tea and a Freddo!
The motto I live by…
Work hard, be kind!
Learn more about the Classroom Management EPV Summer Course for Teachers HERE.
