At Mná Fest in January 2022, we discussed the gendered barriers to leadership in education.
50% of female teachers would consider leadership in education. (Rahoo Survey. March 2021)
Yet, according to DES statistics, only 1 in 15 female teachers are principals.
These barriers exist in Ireland and worldwide. You can learn about these barriers by attending our free online workshop “Aspiring Female Leaders in Education”.
At Mná Fest, we encouraged attendees to take a career challenge to pursue leadership or growth in their career.
This blog post shares 10 steps with you!
1. 5 Year Vision
Imagine yourself 5 years from now. What does your life look like? Reverse-engineer a 5-year plan to get you there! Bullet point some milestones for each year!
2. Mock Application Forms
Seek application forms for roles you may want to apply for. Do a mock application and ask a trusted colleague, friend or professional to review it for you.
Check out more job interview tips HERE!
3. Start Reading
Read! Whichever aspect of career or life you wish to make progress in, invest time in reading about it.
Books, blogs, trade magazines, government regulation/advice are all relevant for building your expertise.
Relevant Link:
4. Do the Maths!
Take time to consider your financial goals. What is your salary? What are your options for financial growth via promotion, new job, part-time work?
Set 3 financial goals for 2022.
If you need help, check out Rahoo’s Teacher Savings Plan Course HERE.
5. Assess Your Tribe
Who do you spend the most time with at work? What is the group culture like? Is it supportive? Is there begrudgery or negative commentary? Be conscious of your network and it’s impact on you and your success. Make a list of 5 people who inspire you to be better and believe in you.
Relevant Link:
6. Self-Care
Incorporate daily exercise into your routine. This can be a walk, run, swim, exercise class, yoga or pilates. There are plenty of free options online or sign up for on demand if you prefer. Make taking care of your health a non-negotiable.
7. The Head Plan
Join the Headplan app. It’s a free social media platform which shares positive affirmations, inspiring blogs and talks daily. Make an effort to engage with the platform to cultivate a positive mindset.
Relevant Link:
This is not an ad!!
8. Assess Your Time!
Make a weekly schedule or routine that allows you to be more organized with your time. Block time for exercising, reading, work, chores, family and friends. Allow time to work on new projects that focus on your progress.
9. Social Media
Clean up your social media profiles. Are they public? Are they visible to colleagues or prospective employers?
10. Linkedin
Set up a LinkedIn Profile and connect with colleagues. LinkedIn is used for professional purposes. Spend time exploring the site and join relevant networks.
Every Child Belongs: 5 Practical Strategies
Classrooms today are rich in diversity—of culture, identity, experience, and perspective.
But creating a truly inclusive classroom goes beyond celebrating difference. It requires intentional choices, thoughtful conversations, and reflective practice.
10 Practical Ways to Build Calm, Inclusive Classrooms
If you’ve ever left school feeling exhausted from managing behaviour, you’re not alone. Many teachers are doing everything they were taught—rewards, consequences, firm boundaries—yet still feel stuck.
That’s where a relationship-first approach changes everything.
Group Bookings for Schools – EPV Summer Courses 2026
Schools across Ireland are choosing to organise group bookings for EPV Summer Courses so their teachers can learn together and bring new ideas back to the classroom.
New Online EPV Courses for Teachers 2026
Our EPV Special Offer!
Course groups fill up quickly as we have limited capacity.
Please book your place ASAP to avoid disappointment!
Report Finds Better Teacher Training and Inclusion Needed to Promote Well-Being in Irish Schools
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.
EPV Summer Courses 2026
Here is a brief update of our summer course plans for 2026.
We will have a few new courses to add to the collection so watch this space!