A significant new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) highlights the urgent need for improved teacher training and a stronger focus on inclusion, diversity and wellbeing to better support students across Ireland’s schools.
Key Findings from the ESRI Report
The research, part of a narrative review on supporting student wellbeing in school contexts, points to several important conclusions for education policy and practice:
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School culture, relationships and belonging matter most: Positive school environments strongly influence students’ emotional and social wellbeing.
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Inclusion and diversity must be prioritised: The report emphasises that students from marginalised groups — including those from minority backgrounds or with additional needs — often feel less connected if schools don’t actively foster inclusion and equity.
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Teacher training needs expansion, particularly in areas of wellbeing, mental health literacy and inclusive practice. Strengthening teachers’ confidence and skills in these areas is essential for identifying and supporting students with complex needs effectively.
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Clear measurement and monitoring systems are needed: Schools require better tools and guidance to accurately assess student wellbeing and how interventions are working.
These conclusions follow a growing body of research showing that while Irish schools have made progress in fostering wellbeing, many teachers feel under-equipped when it comes to inclusion and supporting students with diverse needs.
Why This Matters for Teachers
Wellbeing is now an explicit educational priority in Ireland. Yet, many educators report that traditional teacher education and continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities do not sufficiently cover:
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Inclusive pedagogy and differentiation
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Understanding and supporting mental health
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Building classroom environments where all students feel a strong sense of belonging
Without focused training in these areas, teachers can struggle to meet the varied needs of pupils — especially those from marginalised or special educational needs backgrounds.
How Rahoo CPD Courses Support These Goals
Rahoo provides continuing professional development (CPD) courses designed specifically for teachers working in Ireland’s primary and post-primary settings, with topics that directly align with the needs identified in the ESRI report. Here are specific Rahoo CPD courses available for teachers in Ireland that directly link to the key needs identified in the recent ESRI report — especially in the areas of inclusion, diversity, wellbeing and effective classroom practice:
🎓 1. Diversity & Inclusion in the Classroom (2 h 30 min)
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A free online certified CPD course designed to help teachers build inclusive classroom environments that reflect and celebrate cultural, linguistic, gender and other forms of diversity.
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It gives practical strategies for ensuring students from all backgrounds feel represented and safe — a key factor in belonging and wellbeing.
🤝 2. Introduction to Universal Design for Learning (10 Hours)
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This in-depth online course introduces teachers to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) — a research-based framework to support all learners, including those with additional needs.
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Teachers learn how to adapt content, engagement and assessment so that classrooms become more inclusive by design, which aligns with ESRI’s call for enhanced inclusive teaching skills.
🌍 3. Supporting the Teaching & Learning of EAL Students (10 Hours)
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Focuses on evidence-based ways to support students learning English as an Additional Language, helping teachers build confidence in planning, differentiation and culturally responsive pedagogy.
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This course supports inclusion of diverse learners and reduces barriers that can negatively impact wellbeing when students feel isolated.
📚 4. Differentiation (10 Hours)
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A practical course on tailoring instruction to meet varied learner needs — including EAL, additional educational needs (AEN) and mixed ability classes.
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Strong differentiation practice is central to inclusion and helps ensure wellbeing by allowing every student to access learning at their level.
🧠 5. Fostering Emotional Resilience, Harmony & Awareness in the Classroom (10 Hours)
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A dedicated CPD course (listed among Rahoo’s latest offerings) that supports teachers to develop practices around student emotional wellbeing, resilience and classroom harmony — central themes in the ESRI’s recommendations on wellbeing.
📦 6. The Early-Career & Digital Foundations CPD Bundle (32 Hours)
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A bundle for early-career teachers covering topics like classroom management, lesson planning and ICT integration, all of which help build confidence and reduce stress — contributing to both teacher and student wellbeing.
📅 7. EPV Summer Courses (20 Hours)
Each summer, Rahoo runs Department of Education-aligned CPD (EPV) courses including:
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The Inclusive Classroom – Nurture, Engage, Play
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Fostering Emotional Resilience & Harmony
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Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviour
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These structured courses offer both online and self-verified hours suited for ongoing professional growth.
📌 How These Courses Link Back to the ESRI Report
The recent ESRI wellbeing report emphasises the importance of:
✔️ Inclusive practice and belonging for all students — supported by Rahoo’s diversity, inclusion and UDL courses.
✔️ Enhanced teacher capability in supporting diverse learners — through differentiation and EAL-focused professional learning.
✔️ Wellbeing-centred classroom practice and resilience — through dedicated emotional resilience and harmony training.
Together, these CPD options help teachers build the skills the ESRI identifies as most likely to boost both student wellbeing and positive learning outcomes across Irish schools.
