Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School was awarded €5,000 to collaborate with Dublin City University and four schools* to establish and strengthen a national network of SPHE educators committed to inclusive, culturally responsive, and collaborative approaches to teaching SPHE. As there is currently no national subject association or formal network for SPHE teachers in Ireland, this initiative seeks to address that gap by connecting SPHE teachers across diverse school contexts to identify shared professional learning needs, enhance inclusive practice, and co-design a teacher-led professional learning event.
Teachers in this project engaged with 40 other schools nationally, aspiring to establish a professional learning network through an event focused on inclusion and culturally responsive SPHE. The project was also supported by cross-sectoral partners including advocacy and educational organisations focused on teacher professional learning (ShoutOut and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre).
*List of collaborating schools:
- Kildare Town Community School
- St. Munchin’s College, Limerick
- Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Galway
- Pleasants Street Youthreach, Dublin
School's reflection
The SPHE Teachers Connect project has been a genuinely transformative professional learning experience. Bringing together teacher leaders from Dublin, Kildare, Limerick, Galway, and Youthreach settings, it created a rare and much-needed space for SPHE educators to connect, share practice, and lead collaboratively. At the heart of the project was a commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive SPHE. Teachers had the opportunity to showcase their own practice, engage with colleagues across diverse school contexts, and hear from key stakeholders spanning research, community organisations, and youth-led initiatives including Comhairle na nÓg. These encounters deepened teachers’ confidence and capacity to address sensitive topics with care, evidence, and creativity.
The impact on teachers has been significant. Participants reported greater connection with peers, renewed professional energy, and strengthened skills in leading inclusive SPHE. All benefits that will extend to students across all participating schools through more affirming and responsive provision. Perhaps most meaningfully, the project has catalysed something lasting: the group are now collaborating to establish Ireland’s first SPHE Teachers Association, where teachers can continue to connect, advocate for their subject, and lead professional learning into the future.