Celebrating Collaboration and Growth: Educate Together Peer Observation Project Concludes Third Successful Year
Susana Nunez, Second Level Education Officer, Educate Together
On 25 March, 2025, the Educate Together second-level Interschool Peer Observation Project wrapped up its third successful year with an in-person event at the Glenview Hotel, Wicklow. 20 educators from 12 schools gathered to reflect on a year of professional collaboration, peer learning, and shared growth.
Now in its third year, the project continued to provide a valuable space for teachers to observe one another’s practice, exchange insights, and deepen their understanding of effective teaching. The initiative was coordinated by Donal Evoy (Blackrock ETSS), Conor Berry (Principal, Gorey ETSS) and Padraig Conaty (Principal, HCETSS), with the support of principals across the network.
The final event was a celebration of the time, trust, and dedication invested by participants throughout the year. Presentations were delivered by Ciara, Conor, Gillian, Hannah, and Máire, who gathered and presented project data in advance of the event. Their contributions helped highlight common themes and reflections across schools.
Karen Maye from UCD’s School of Education also joined the session, sharing her expertise on the value of peer observation and offering guidance on sustaining reflective practice in schools.
A visual poster created by Ciara Spain offered a concise and engaging overview of the project’s goals and impact. Schools are encouraged to print and display it in staff rooms as a prompt for continued conversation.
Principals were encouraged to allocate 30 minutes during final staff meetings in April or May to allow participating teachers to share their experiences with colleagues.
The project is set to continue into its fourth year, with strong interest in maintaining and expanding participation.
Thank you to all educators and school leaders who made this year’s project possible.
If you want to find out more about the project listen to this podcast with Donal Evoy, Principal from Blackrock ETSS.