Shifting the dynamic from student to teacher within the school you went to yourself can feel both daunting, and comforting. On one hand, the familiarity of being back in your old school can be a great source of comfort. I knew my way around, the mentality of teachers, the expected conduct and behaviour for all staff and students, and in a way, what to expect. On the other hand, Students had siblings who had been in my classes, teachers were now working along side me when they had taught me, that shift in dynamic, in some cases. never happened - I was still a student in their eyes, and that was what I found to be most daunting when trying to bridge the gap from learner to educator. How did I do it? Well, I had to reflect on my interactions with them, as much as how they interacted with me. Was I being more timid? Was I falling back into old habits I had left behind me at the school door when I left all the years ago? Was I carrying myself as an educator, or as a returning student who still feared the rules that no longer applied to me. I had to change my interactions to be more like myself of the now again. I'm no longer who I was in school, and I wanted to show my great strides to the staff who had lead me there. One aspect that worked well in my favour for overcoming this was the fact that upper management had changed, My former principal and Vice principal were no longer there, replaced by newer, fresh minded staff who took me in as an educator and adult. Overall my experience in returning to my previous school was overwhelmingly positive, and taught me to share my talents, grow as a teacher and present the best version of myself.

Each placement I  have had the privilege to have completed has given me amazing experience and insight into the workings of school life, teaching and managing myself throughout it. I will leave this course not only a far better teacher, but a more organised, dedicated and creative person.  1st Year Primary School Gaelscoil Placement: Gaelscoil choláiste Mhuire This placement taught me the foundations of being within a classroom. Organisation, patience, unpredictability and interacting with students. Working with fellow students made it both easier as we eased into teaching, and introduced new challenges of clashing ideas and compromises you would find in any art department.  2nd Year Team Teaching Placement: Rosary College Crumlin Working within a DEIS school brought a number of challenges and exciting experiences while on this placement. I had the opportunity to work closely with the Host Teacher Patricia Magnone as she taught 6th year and LCA5, which I assisted with. LCA was an amazing course to observe and assist with, and watching an experienced teacher control and counteract the personalities within the class was an incredible learning opportunity.  3rd Year Post-Primary Gaelcholáiste Placement: Gaelcholáiste Ceatharlach For this placement I returned to my old school. Having learnt through Irish i really enjoyed teaching through Irish and found it very natural. While there I created multiple resources and lessons, and interacted with all members of the school community through Irish. I had the chance to create and invigilate exams also. 4th Year Post-Primary Placement: Coláiste Eoin Hacketstown One of the biggest takeaways I have from this school is that events, occasions, interruptions and miscommunications are bound to happen in all schools. I had to adapt many lessons and units to align with the LipSync and a variety of other events. But it taught me to be ready for change, and to try and have a plan b in place.