MÚINTEOIR COLE MUSIC & GERMAN - The Mind of Múinteoir Cole

January 27th, 2026

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:11:37 GMT

My Non-Negotiables for Staying Organised as a TeacheR

Staying organised as a teacher isn’t about colour-coding everything or having a “perfect” classroom even though it is something I love.
Let's take it back to the basics first, it’s about systems — simple, repeatable habits that reduce stress and free up mental space.
As a music and German teacher, my timetable (currently music and resource classes) is busy, my materials vary constantly, and my brain is juggling a lot.
Over time, I’ve learned that organisation only works when it’s realistic and sustainable.
These are my non-negotiables - the things I come back to every single week.

1. One Planning System (No Switching)
This was a game changer.
I don’t jump between planners, apps, notebooks, and random sticky notes anymore. I use one main planning routine and stick with it.

Less time deciding how to plan
Less mental clutter
More consistency week to week

Each term I map out on one table in Microsoft word what I plan to do each week. Each week when I am in the term I plan what I will do each lesson (in my teacher planner). I generally work a week ahead of myself to stay on top of everything.

My go to lesson planning routine:
Term - map out what I want to cover weekly but very vague, just topic/ theme
Each term I map out on one table in Microsoft word what I plan to do each week.

Weekly - more in depth where I list resources and activities that I plan to do in class
Each week when I am in the term I plan what I will do each lesson (in my teacher planner). I generally work a week ahead of myself to stay on top of everything.

Planner:

2. A Weekly Reset (Even a Short One)
I don’t aim for perfection - I aim for a reset.
Once a week, I:

Look ahead at my lessons
Tidy my desk or digital workspace
Check what resources I’ll need

Even 20–30 minutes makes a huge difference. Starting the week feeling prepared is game changing for me. Set up for success!

3. Lesson Structures
I don’t reinvent the wheel every week.
Most of my lessons follow a similar structure, whether I’m teaching music or German. That means:

Students know what to expect
Lessons flow more smoothly
Planning takes far less time

I focus on content, not constantly changing routines, layouts or formats.
This is also why I design resources that can be reused and adapted across different classes and levels.

4. Resources That Work
If a resource:

takes ages to explain
only works once

…it doesn’t stay.
I make resources that:

are visually clear
have consistent layouts
can be used again and again

Over time, this has built me a bank of materials I can rely on, which makes busy weeks far more manageable.

5. Everything Has a Home
This applies to physical and digital spaces.
Folders, files, materials, worksheets - everything has a clear place.
Organisation isn’t about aesthetics, it’s about knowing where things are without thinking.
Building an organisation system for your digital resources doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time – maybe something you can do over a mid-term break or Summer.

6. Calm Over Complicated
This is probably my biggest non-negotiable.
I’ve learned that:

simpler systems last longer
fewer tools work better

If a system feels overwhelming, I don’t stay with it!

Why This Matters
Organisation doesn’t make teaching perfect, but it makes it easier to manage.
It means:

less last-minute stress
clearer lessons
more energy for students
more enjoyment in teaching
less time taken from home life

If organisation has ever felt like another thing to keep up with, I promise — it doesn’t have to be. Start with one system. Master it. Let it help you.

2025/26 The Post Primary Teacher Planner

€17.99 €14.00

Stay organised, inspired, and in control all year long with the 2025/26 all-in-one Teacher Planner. Designed with educators in mind, this digital pick & mix planner is packed with everything you need to plan, track, and manage your classroom and beyond.

Inside, you’ll find:

Yearly, term, monthly & weekly templates – with multiple layout options in our signature planner color scheme
Classroom tools – attendance, assessment trackers, student information, and class groupings
Support sections – space for SNA’s, classroom management, personal planning and more...

Whether you prefer to use it digitally on your device or print it at home, this planner adapts to your style. It’s more than a planner – it’s your all-in-one teaching companion.

Terms & Conditions – Planner Purchase

1. Digital Product Only

This product is a digital planner delivered electronically.
No physical item will be shipped.
Must be downloaded on a desktop in order to 'unzip' the large file.

2. Usage

You may use the planner digitally on your tablet, computer, or other device.
You may also print the planner at home or through a professional print service for your personal use.

3. Personal Use License

This planner is for personal use only.
You may not resell, share, redistribute, or reproduce this product in any form.

4. Non-Returnable & Non-Refundable

Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final.
Once your purchase is complete, we cannot offer returns, exchanges, or refunds.

5. Compatibility

Please ensure your device or software supports PDF/digital annotation before purchasing.
We are not responsible for technical issues related to your device, apps, or printing service.

6. Intellectual Property

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Master Your Planning

€5.00

For webinar attendees Sept 4th

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Work Smarter Not Harder Guide

€8.99

For the webinar on Sept 4th 2023.

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Master Plan Template

€3.00

STAYING ORGANISED WHILE TEACHING ✨

This templates are what I use for all of my class groups. I can glance at this and see what I am doing for the week. I use my class plans that I do each term to fill this in so I can plan for each week. I aim to fill this in on the Thursday or Friday for the following week.

It is always a working document for me.

It is a place where I was keeping track of what we did and what was covered.

This keeps my organisation game at 100%.

(Filled in version for show only)

Format: BLANK Editable Microsoft word document

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July 27th, 2023

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:11:32 GMT

Back to school - balance is key!

Going back to school can be a busy and challenging time for teachers. Balancing work, personal life, and maintaining overall well-being is crucial for a successful and fulfilling academic year. Here are some tips to help teachers make their life/school balance easier:

Plan and Organise: Start the school year by creating a well-structured plan for both your professional and personal life. Use tools like planners or digital calendars to schedule your daily tasks, lesson plans, grading, and personal commitments. Organising your time can help you stay on top of your responsibilities. Get your ultimate planning tool here: http://www.muinteoircole.com/store/p100/The_Post_Primary_Teacher_Planner_23%2F24.html
Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals for each week or month. Prioritise the most important tasks and avoid overloading yourself. Setting realistic expectations will help reduce stress and make your workload more manageable. You do not need to plan for the entire year before you return.
Create a Positive Classroom Environment: A positive classroom environment can significantly impact your overall teaching experience. Foster a sense of community, respect, and support within your classroom, as it will lead to a smoother and more enjoyable teaching process.
Delegate When Possible: Don't hesitate to delegate responsibilities when appropriate. Involve students in classroom tasks or ask for help from colleagues or teacher assistants. Sharing responsibilities can lighten your workload.
Focus on Work-Life Balance: Make time for yourself and your loved ones. Engage in hobbies, exercise, or any activity that helps you unwind and relax. A well-balanced personal life will make you more energised and focused during school hours.
Avoid Overcommitment: While it's tempting to take on numerous extracurricular activities or committees, be mindful of your limits. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and negatively impact your performance in both personal and professional spheres.
Utilise Technology and Resources: Explore education-related technology and resources that can streamline your tasks, such as online grading tools, lesson planning apps, and classroom management software.
Collaborate with Colleagues: Work closely with your fellow teachers and share ideas, resources, and strategies. Collaboration can lead to more effective teaching methods and support from colleagues during challenging times.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and engage in regular exercise. Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga to manage stress. Do not jeopardise your health for school.
Communicate with Management: If you feel overwhelmed or need support, don't hesitate to communicate with your school's management. They may be able to provide resources or adjust your workload if necessary.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life. Avoid taking work home whenever possible, and designate specific times for school-related tasks.
Reflect and Adapt: Regularly reflect on your teaching methods and time management strategies. Be willing to adapt and try new approaches to improve your work-life balance.

Remember that achieving a healthy life/school balance is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself and allow room for adjustments. By implementing these tips, you can create a more enjoyable and fulfilling teaching experience for yourself while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole

July 20th, 2023

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 09:58:13 GMT

SeTTING up YOUR CLASSROOM

Congratulations on becoming a new teacher!
Setting up your first classroom can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
Here are 10 tips to help you get started:

1. Plan Ahead:
Create a layout of your classroom before setting it up. Consider factors like seating arrangements, learning centres/ areas, and storage areas. This will help you optimise the use of space and make the most of your classroom.

2. Organise Supplies:
Invest in storage containers, folders, and bins to keep your supplies neat and easily accessible. LABEL everything, so it's clear where items belong and where students can find them. I think investing in storage from the beginning makes it easy to transport to a new classroom and find items easily throughout the year.

3. Create a Welcoming Environment:
Decorate your classroom with bright and engaging visuals that reflect your teaching style and subject. Use posters, bulletin boards, and student work displays to make the space inviting and inspiring. This DOES NOT need to be insta perfect or fully set up from the beginning of the year! You can decorate as you go!

4. Establish Classroom Rules and Procedures:
Early on, set clear expectations for behaviour and procedures. Communicate these rules to your students and consistently enforce them. This will help create a positive learning environment and maintain order from the very beginning!

5. Designate Learning Areas/ Stations:
This may not be necessary in post primary depending on your subject. Create designated areas for different activities, such as a reading corner, art station, calm down area or science centre.

6. Arrange Student Desks Strategically:
Consider the best desk arrangement for your teaching style and subject. You might opt for traditional rows, collaborative clusters, or a combination of both. Be prepared to adjust the layout if needed and don't be afraid to change it up! Cable ties are great for grouping desks together or keeping them in straight lines together.

7. Personalise Your Space:
Add a personal touch to your classroom with photos, plants, or items that reflect your interests and hobbies. This helps students see you as a relatable and approachable teacher.

8. Incorporate Technology:
Your classroom should have adequate technology already there. This includes a projector/ TV, speakers and a device (computer/ tablet) and appropriate connections for the technology. This is something you can speak to management about if it is not adequate.

9. Create an Organised Teacher Area:
Dedicate a space for yourself, where you can keep lesson plans, assessment materials, and personal belongings. Having an organised teacher area will save you time and make your day more efficient.

10. Safety First:
Prioritise student safety by ensuring that emergency procedures and safety guidelines are prominently displayed. Familiarise yourself with the school's safety protocols and take necessary precautions in the classroom.

Remember that setting up a classroom is an ongoing process. Be open to adapting and adjusting your setup as you gain more teaching experience and understand the needs of your students. Wishing you a successful and fulfilling teaching journey!

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole

June 13th, 2023

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 20:34:22 GMT

Essential Tips for a Language Teachers Interview

Attending a job interview as a language teacher can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. To help you excel in your interview and increase your chances of securing a position in a post primary school, I have compiled a list of useful tips and sample questions specifically tailored for language teaching positions. By following these tips and preparing your responses, you can showcase your expertise, passion, and suitability for the role.
Tips for Language Teachers Attending an Interview:

Understand the Curriculum: Familiarise yourself with the curriculum guidelines for the language you teach in the post primary school setting. Understand the language learning outcomes, content, and assessment requirements especially with the New Junior Cycle. This will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to aligning your teaching with the curriculum.
Highlight Your Teaching Approach: Be prepared to explain your teaching approach, emphasising student-centered methodologies. Discuss strategies you use to promote active learning, encourage student engagement, and develop communicative competence in the language. Showcase your ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Incorporate Cultural Elements: Highlight the importance of incorporating cultural aspects into language teaching. Discuss how you integrate cultural topics, traditions, and real-world contexts to enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the target language and its culture.
Utilise Technology in Language Teaching: Demonstrate your familiarity with technology-enhanced language teaching tools and resources. Discuss how you integrate technology to create interactive and engaging learning experiences, such as multimedia presentations, language learning apps, and virtual communication platforms.
Assessment and Evaluation Methods: Be prepared to discuss your approach to assessing and evaluating students' language proficiency. Explain how you use a variety of assessment methods, such as oral presentations, written assignments, role plays, and listening comprehension activities, to accurately measure students' progress and provide constructive feedback.
Differentiation for Diverse Learners: Discuss how you adapt your teaching methods and materials to cater to students with diverse language abilities and learning styles. Demonstrate your ability to provide additional support for struggling students and challenge advanced learners.
Communication and Collaboration: Highlight the importance of effective communication and collaboration with students, parents, and colleagues. Describe your methods for fostering open lines of communication, providing timely feedback, and promoting parent involvement in their child's language learning journey.
Integration of Language Skills: Explain how you integrate the four language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - in your lessons. Discuss the strategies you use to develop each skill and how you create opportunities for authentic language use and meaningful communication.

Sample MFL-Specific Interview Questions:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CtcUfBwI7Fx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Preparing for a language teacher interview requires thorough research, thoughtful responses, and a clear understanding of effective language teaching methodologies. By following the tips provided and practicing your answers to the sample MFL-specific questions, you will be better equipped to showcase your expertise, passion, and ability to create engaging language learning experiences. Some of the questions they ask may be in your language so be prepared!

Good luck with your interview!

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole

June 06th, 2023

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:33:36 GMT

Essential Tips for a Music Teacher Interview

Attending a job interview can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, especially for music teachers seeking a position in a post primary school. To help you prepare effectively, I have compiled a list of useful tips and sample questions that are specific to the field of music education. By familiarising yourself with these tips and practicing your responses, you can increase your chances of impressing the interview panel and securing your dream job.
Tips for Music Teachers Attending an Interview:

Research the School: Take the time to thoroughly research the school where you are interviewing. Familiarise yourself with their extracurricular activities, and any recent achievements or initiatives. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the institution and showcase your dedication to becoming part of their music department. Important to know if the school holds a musical each year and what you can contribute to that.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Music: Be ready to discuss the different methodologies that you use and how you manage a music class. Make sure to mention your ability to differentiate for the various students in your classes.
Demonstrate Inclusivity and Diversity: Music classrooms should be inclusive and celebrate diversity. Discuss strategies you would employ to create a welcoming environment for students from different backgrounds and abilities. Show how you would adapt your teaching methods to accommodate diverse learners and promote equality.
Utilise Technology in Music Education: Technology has become an integral part of music education. Familiarise yourself with music technology tools, software, and hardware that can enhance the learning experience. Discuss how you would incorporate technology into your lessons to engage and inspire students.
Assessment and Evaluation: Be prepared to explain your approach to assessing and evaluating student progress and achievement in music. Discuss various assessment methods, such as performances, portfolios, listening exams, and self-reflection, and explain how these methods provide a holistic view of students' musical development.
Classroom Management Strategies: Music teachers often face the challenge of managing large classes with diverse student abilities. Describe your experience in managing and engaging students during music lessons. Discuss strategies you have used to create a positive and disciplined learning environment while encouraging student participation.
Collaboration with Other Teachers: Highlight the importance of collaboration. Explain how you would work with other teachers and staff to integrate music across different subject areas, such as history, English, etc., to enhance students' learning experiences.
Professional Development: Demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development. Discuss the ways in which you stay updated with current trends and best practices in music education, such as attending workshops, conferences, and joining professional organisations.
Reflect on Successful Projects: Prepare examples of successful music projects or performances you have organised for students. Discuss the objectives, outcomes, and the impact these projects had on students' musical growth and overall development.

Sample Music-Specific Interview Questions:

How do you incorporate music theory into your teaching?
Describe your experience in teaching music composition.
How do you ensure students' active participation during music lessons?
Can you share an example of a music performance you organised for students? How did you prepare them for the performance?
How would you introduce music technology into the classroom?
What strategies do you use to encourage students to practice their instruments outside of class?
How do you create a positive and inclusive music environment for students with diverse abilities?
Can you discuss your approach to teaching Irish traditional music?
What assessment methods do you use to evaluate students' understanding of music concepts?
How would you use technology and digital tools to enhance music education in the classroom?
How do you assess and evaluate student progress and achievement in music?
Describe your experience and strategies for managing and engaging a large class of diverse students during music lessons.
How would you collaborate with other teachers and staff to integrate music across different subject areas?
Can you share an example of a successful music project or performance you have organised for students? What were the outcomes?
How do you stay updated with current trends and best practices in music education?

Attending a job interview for a music teaching position in a post primary school requires careful preparation and thoughtful responses. By following the tips provided and practicing your answers to the sample interview questions, you will be better equipped to showcase your expertise, passion, and commitment to music education. Good luck with your interview!

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole

Prepare for your teacher interview with confidence! Introducing the Teacher Interview Preparation Workbook by Muinteoir Cole. This comprehensive guide is packed with essential tips, sample questions, and exercises to help you showcase your skills and land your dream teaching job. Get your copy today at http://www.muinteoircole.com/store/p96/Teacher_Interview_Preparation_Workbook.html."

MY AP Interview

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 09:57:02 GMT

Hello lovely humans,

I hope you're all keeping well as we head towards the end of the school year! I have been meaning to write this for some time but life & school has been crazy.

I am just going to quickly run through my experience of the AP one application and interview process.
So the job was advertised and I knew immediately I wanted to apply for it as I know I'd like to go down the leadership route. I filled out the application form and left it till very last minute as I didn't actually realise how much was involved in the application. Looking back I managed it well but I definitely should have given more time to allow others to read it just in case of any errors.

I had one final read and submitted the application on the morning of application deadline. After submitting I heard back that day that they received my application and then two days later I received word of an interview offer for the following week. I went to my principal and asked that my classes be covered and he was extremely supportive.

I immediately got in touch with Kenneth from Education Interview Hub and he organised a meeting with Jennifer. This mock interview was the biggest help to me and honestly made me so confident. Jennifer put me at ease and gave me advice on my answers and really pushed me to be the best I could be. Her advice and wealth of knowledge was absolutely priceless and I don't know how I would have managed without it. Before meeting with Jennifer I had researched AP interview questions and asked friends in leadership about the interview and what could be asked so `I had some prep done.

After meeting with Jennifer she sent me on a recording of my mock interview so I was able to sit down and analyse it and go back over and tidy up some of the answers I had given. On the morning of the interview I practiced asking myself difficult questions and answered them whilst driving to the interview to get me in the zone. Once parked outside (30 mins early) I took out my summarised notes to go over and ran over some of my examples/ scenarios that I had intended to use that showed my leadership skills.

In the interview I actually felt calm immediately - in my head I told myself to just breathe and all the work I had done would stand to me and to give it my best. To be honest I felt like I started to answer well but then at some points throughout the interview I found myself losing focus and structure in my answers and just had to ask for the question to be repeated again. I honestly was proud of how I did in my first AP interview but I know that I have work to do to be the best.

As you would have seen I was unsuccessful. I don't mind saying this as it was my first interview and I still felt I put my best foot forward and it was an AMAZING learning experience. Personally I suffered a lot with change in the past year and would become nervous and anxious about things that never bothered me before, but for this interview I was CALM. This was a huge win for me as I know now that I am back to who I was before having Wesley (not in a bad way - more so a strong mental health way) and that the pregnancy hormones which played a huge role in making me anxious were finally gone!

I came 2nd out of 4 on the interview panel and I am thrilled for who got it as I feel it was well deserved. I have more clarity on what I can do better next time and there definitely will be a next time!

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole

building relationships with your students

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 13:09:27 GMT

Hello lovely humans,

Just dropping in to share some ways in which you can build relationships with your students.
You don't have to do all of these but I have shared various ways as not everyday will work with every teacher or every class!

Positive notes - praise the students when you can and this will show how you care and like to see them succeed.
Eat lunch with the students or socialise and chat with them at break time. chat to them while on supervision.
Stay connected - sending or SCHEDULING a little hello/ happy holidays during school break is a nice touch.
Create traditions/ or follow ones that the class have - tea/ hot choc morning before the holidays
Ask Questions about the Classroom: When we ask students about how they feel and see our classrooms, it communicates that their opinion and feelings matter.
Attend after school extra events - graduations/ mass/ schools show/ etc. students notice the teachers that support their school events
Give students a questionnaire to get to know them at the start of the year so you can learn about their interests and show interest in them.
Greet students as they enter the room or as you do. be cheerful & positive
Make the students feel safe and comfortable in your presence - NEVER EMBARRASS a student by calling them out on something in front of the class.
Smile - something so little can mine so much! never underestimate the power of a smile and hello.
Tell little bits of your personal life. Don’t spend hours and hours spilling the beans about everything there is to know about you, but it is important for students to get to know you. things you could tell them include:
- Sharing a picture here or there will help your students realise that you do indeed have a life and they might actually be able to relate to you!
- A movie you watched
- Food places you have tried
- About your pets
- Achievements (sporting/ talent)
- Milestones (MY STUDENTS KNOW ABOUT MY NEW HOUSE - THEY WERE AS EXCITED AS I WAS ABOUT MOVING IN!)
Lastly, be patient! This is one of the hardest parts about building student relationships. Many teachers want to have an immediate relationship with students. That is not the best for the teacher or the students. Strong relationships take time to build

I would love to know if any of these work for you, please be sure to let me know what worked and didn't work for you!

Toodles,
Múinteoir Cole

my experience of an incidental inspection

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 12:38:59 GMT

Hello lovely humans,

I promised this blog sooooooooo long ago but life has been so hectic with moving, mom life, etc.

I'm gonna jump straight to it! We found out on the Wednesday that we would have an incidental inspection on Friday in school - frantically everybody starting planning and panicking. I (for the first time in my life) remained calm - I knew I was prepared because I decided this year I was getting on top of paperwork so that I wouldn't panic and stress in situations like this - plus I wouldn't have time to get my sh*t together in 2 nights having a baby!

All of my plans were in digital format and if they were needed I could show them that way - I didn't print them. Our subject dept info I had digitally & it is also in the staffroom. I did have to try and get the German one up to date as we just had a general MFL one and I thought it would be best to German specific info if it were needed.

I had my weekly personal plan in my planner which I have printed in a folder and I use this to keep me on track weekly anyways! I knew I was over prepared and also felt confident that they weren't going to be looking at plans and they wanted to see teaching - that is what these inspections are for. I DID NOT change my lessons or plan anything extra or fancy just because an inspector was coming.

I found out 5 mins before class started that the inspector was coming to me, I was actually buzzing because I wanted to have someone watch my teaching - I wanted to know how I was getting on! The bell rang and my 5th years arrived into class - I told them the inspector would be joining us, they actually started panicking lol! The inspector arrived over and introduced himself - he was so lovely and explained to the class he was there just to have a look at what we were doing and to ignore him.

My class content:

Teaching modulation
Practice modulation on paper
Add modulations to flat.io and listen (Music Technology)
Performance - Sight reading clap back and 1 piece per student

My feedback:

I clearly set out the learning intentions and ticked them off like a to do list as I went along which provided great structure for the students.
I had a great knowledge of my subject and teaching pedagogy. I used various teaching methods.
I taught an idea/ new content then practiced with students and then checked for learning. Even after moving onto something else I rechecked for learning "Remind me of how that works again...".
I encouraged students to perform and corrected mistakes and helped them to fix them too.
I used impressive technology and really have a good grasp on it - my system on OneNote was really good and it is a fantastic resource for my students.
I could have allowed more room for students to work together but with the type of exercise it would be done in a later lesson (only criticism) - I could have had the students critique each others modulations on reflection.
The students understood the clearly explained tasks and were supported throughout the learning.

The inspector took note of some programmes I used:
OneNote
Classroom Screen
Flat.io

At the end I was given feedback and asked about Child Protection.

Who is a mandated person?
Who is the go to in my school?

Overall I was so so happy with how the inspection went - the feedback was amazing! I asked if there was anything that I could improve on and I was told if they had to really nitpick at me then they would say the group work between students but said that it was minor because of the type of lesson. Honestly it was not half as bad as inspections that I did through college and I would do it again tomorrow if given the chance.

More info on inspections here: https://assets.gov.ie/25258/e2f3707cfb3448db8cb0752613d031bd.pdf

How can you have an inspection like this?

Get your planning in order - keep plans simple.
Have confidence in yourself - you are great.
Hype yourself up and know that you will be fine.
Use things like classroomscreen.com to help with your timing.
Make sure to set out learning intentions/ outcomes! (Very important)
Have your weekly plan in front of you so you know what you're doing if you blank.
Don't try something new and crazy on the day - your students will be wondering what you are up to!
Always check for learning and that students understand what is happening in the lesson.
Know your info on child protection.
Believe in your self and be calm.

Toodles,
Nicole x

PS Happy 2022!

How I am managing mom and teacher life?

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:14:23 GMT

Hello lovely humans,

It has been wayyyyy too long!!!! I had intended to post her more often but it is crazyyyy at the moment to find time for this.

Just checking in with you all to let you know how mom and teacher life is working out for me. Well... I think it's great! Going back to school wasn't hard for me as I felt like it was the right time for me to get back into a routine (I need routine for my head) and also Wesley was at a good age where he was a happy baby and didn't get strange or upset when spending time away from me.

Before going back to school I did send Wesley a couple of times to the child minder so he would be used to going there when I would go back to school. Why did I go with a child minder you might ask?.. The creche I had intended to send Wesley to wouldn't take him until he was 1 unfortunately but now looking back I am thrilled that it worked out this way as he goes to the best child minder (Not immediate family member). He is so well looked after and honestly my mind is at ease leaving him in great hands - he loves it too!

On the first week back my mom came over in the mornings to make sure I could manage getting out the door on time - I was nervous about this in the lead up to it. I didn't know would I manage as I used to be a 'roll out of bed and into the car' person. I never get up earlier than I need and also I like to get up and out the door in the least amount of time possible!

In week 2 I had my morning and night time routine in full flow and since then I feel like it has been a breeze (I know this doesn't happen for everyone). I'll give you an insight into how my night and morning goes to get out the door in 30 mins!

Night routine:
Get bottles & food for Wesley ready
Pack Wesley's bag & put in car
Pack my school bag
Get my clothes ready
Get my lunch ready

Morning routine:
7am: Alarm goes off
7am - 7:20am: Dress myself, change Wesley's nappy (He stays in PJs and is fed at child minders), have a look at my phone
7:20am - 7:30am: Put fridge stuff into lunch bags, Make coffee (essential), put all bags into car, put dressing gown on Wesley, put Wesley into the car and leave.

*I might add that I am on my own with Wesley in the morning but his dad is there for the night time routine and does help a huge amount in making my life easier. He washes the bottles - I hateeeee this lol

These routines rarely change - but I can tell you if I don't follow the routine these times run a few minutes later (I do have plenty of time to spare but I would rather not be rushing)

Saying goodbye to Wesley in the mornings wasn't as bad or as hard as many told me it would be - but I think that knowing he is happy and in good hands is something I have really told myself to make it easier. He waves goodbye now and it melts my heart!

During the day I do think of him and miss him - but that's only when I have time to think, which is rare unfortunately with my busy timetable! I do have early finishes on Tuesdays and Fridays which is really nice and I appreciate the time we have at the weekend together. I try to avoid bringing home any school work in the evenings or at weekends and only do this work when in school or if the boys are watching a match (I'm not a football fan). I have definitely become so efficient and smart with my time... which is a whole other blog post which I will do soon! But for now...

Toodles,
Nicole

PME & work - Is it possible?

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 21:07:21 GMT

Hello everyone,

Long time no write... life has been crazy busy!

Before I get started, this is not me boasting or trying to make you feel bad. You must do what you can manage, I'm just letting you know what I managed when doing the PME & working. I often get asked can you manage work and the PME and the answer is definitely YES, you just need to find a balance that suits you.

I have worked since my Leaving Cert (Dec before the LC was when I started). I worked every weekend unless I booked off time. When I started college my normal weekend shift was Saturday 3pm - 3am (ish) and Sunday 12 - 10pm. I used to then drive to Cork at 10pm on a Sunday when I finished work to be in college for Monday morning! My mother always said "I'll pay for college but I'm not funding your social life". I had a car to run, a phone bill to pay and obviously my college nights out so giving up work during college was not an option.

When I started the PME I continued my weekend work like I did during my undergrad. It wasn't easy and I had to be good with my time BUT it was possible. In PME 2 I even took on another job during the week days towards the end of the year.
You might ask did I just work, teach and go to college? No I also danced, had fun with friends, went on nights out, went on holidays - life was not shit! How did I manage to do all of this??? I did it and didn't spend time wondering how I would do it all.

A typical week during PME 2:
Monday - college & dance in the evening & Monday Club after dance!
Tuesday - school & work in the evening
Wednesday - school & maybe work in the evening
Thursday - school & work in the evening
Friday - school, drive home, time with friends
Saturday - dancing & work
Sunday - gave grinds, work & drive to Cork

I had time between the places I had to be, so in that time I had to do college work and placement work and be as efficient as I possibly could. Distractions had to be minimised and I had to really priortise what I had to do immediately! During the school day when I had free classes I would plan my lessons and sort my resources. I aimed to do my school related/ placement related work in school and my college related work (assignments) at home/ in college.

I used to promise myself treats to work harder - for example "Right Nicole you can't go to Monday Club unless you get this 1000 word section of your assignment done". Sounds hilarious & mad? You're right! But it worked! I didn't spend half as much time on social media as I do now and I also was really good at ploughing through work and keeping focused. I made a list and made my way through it ticking it off as I went.

Now remember I'm not saying you have to do what I did but it is definitely possible to have a part time job (even if it is just a Saturday) on the side while doing PME. Best of luck to any PME's starting, I hope you get on well and remember ASK FOR HELP when you need it. It's not a sign of weakness!

Until next time (hopefully not as long)
Toodles,

Múinteoir Cole