Nicole Hyland

Studying the integrated BSc with Education and Professional Masters of Education in Maynooth University provided me with the unique opportunity of undertaking four different secondary school placements over the five years. During each placement I gained a valuable insight into a variety of school systems that exist today, from rural DEIS schools to urban Educate Together schools. Each placement school provided different challenges from which I learned a wealth of knowledge and adaptability. Being hands on in the classroom, interacting with students and collaborating with fellow teachers was what best prepared me for the job. Not only did these placement schools act as learning environments, they also allowed me to prove my value in a school thus resulting in employment. In my final school placement during the PME in which I was in school three days per week, I became an integrated member of staff by being involved not only within the classroom but also outside of it and was delighted to return as a full time teacher this September.