On Thursday, 27th November 2025, over 70 educators from across the Educate Together network gathered at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin. They came together not just for a conference, but for a collective moment of reflection and inspiration centred on the vital theme: Our world, our classrooms: co-creating ethical futures.
The day was dedicated to imagining and building more sustainable, just, and compassionate communities through education. Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and meaningful connection, participants explored the forefront of Ethical Education and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). But beyond the agenda, the true value of the day lay in the space it created for educators to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the core ethos that unites them.
Here, two attendees share their personal reflections on the conference’s impact.
A Primary Teacher’s Reflection: Reconnecting with Purpose
Last week November 27th, I had the pleasure of attending the Educate Together Teacher Conference. When the initial offer of attendance came my way, I went through all the stages of guilt we so often do as teachers when we prepare not to be in our classrooms however what I have learned is that days like these offer a rare and valuable opportunity to step back, reflect, and reconnect with the core of why we teach. In the busyness of school life, it can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but this conference provided the space to think deeply about what we are doing, why we are doing it, and the impact we have on the children in our care. These moments of reflection are so valuable and so I would like to thank and credit Educate Together for creating a day where this really was a core theme.
Throughout the day, I found myself considering the type of teacher I am, the values I hold, the approaches I bring to the classroom, and the principles that guide my practice. What struck me most was realising not only the areas I’m passionate about but also discovering strengths I hadn’t fully acknowledged before. That sense of professional self-awareness — seeing ourselves clearly, celebrating what we do well, and recognising where we can grow — is at the heart of effective, reflective teaching. Coupled with the chance to connect with colleagues from across the Educate Together network. Being surrounded by like-minded educators who share the same ethos, commitment to equality, and passion for child-centred learning was incredibly energising. These conversations — the ideas exchanged, the stories shared, the encouragement offered — were inspiring in themselves all sprinkled with humour and camaraderie.
Leaving the conference, I felt both grounded and uplifted. It reaffirmed the importance of what we do every day, while also sparking new ideas and perspectives. Most of all, it allowed me to step away with a renewed sense of purpose — re-energised, enthusiastic, and ready for the year ahead. My advice if you get the opportunity to attend take it!
Bríd Madigan, Limerick School Project
A Second-Level Perspective: Bridging the Gap with Energy and Insight
Last week, my colleague James and I attended the Educate Together Conference, and we really enjoyed the day. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcome, comfortable, and happy to be there.
One of the things we like most about this event is the chance to meet other teachers and other education partners. Networking is very important to us. Talking to primary teachers is especially helpful because it helps us understand where our students are coming from and what their school experience has been like before secondary school.
The workshops were great, and we learned a lot. We were especially impressed by the student-led workshop. The students showed confidence, leadership, and creativity. We would love to connect with them in the future.
As always, the venue was lovely, and the organizers treated everyone very well. Everything was well planned, and we felt supported throughout the day.
Although it is only a one-day event, the conference is very inspiring. We returned to our classrooms full of ideas, energy, and motivation. It is a day that reminds us why we love teaching and how important it is to support one another.
Thank you very much for inviting us. We look forward to attending again.
Raquel Murillo Diestro, Bremore Educate Together Secondary School
Looking Forward: The Journey Continues
The 2025 Ethical Education Conference served as a powerful reminder that the work of co-creating ethical futures is both a personal and a collective journey. The insights, energy, and renewed sense of community generated in Dublin will now travel back to schools across the country, directly enriching the classrooms and students at the heart of Educate Together’s mission.
We extend our sincere thanks to every participant, workshop leader, and organiser who made the day so impactful. The conversations may have paused, but the work of building more sustainable, just, and compassionate communities continues. We look forward to continuing this essential journey together.
