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6 unknown ways you're making a difference in school

1. As a student, I'm so happy that you listen to my news.
2. As a parent, I'm so relieved that you're noticing that my child has dyslexic tendencies. I really struggled in school.
3. As a principal, I'm grateful that you hand in your cuntas mĂ­osĂșil in time. I hate going looking for them
4. As a student, though I can't articulate it properly - my movement break really helps me listen better through the day.
5. As an AP post holder, I really appreciate that you're helping me with this project. Thin


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Your leadership network might sound like...

  • Hey all, I have a question about an issue that I'm having with a student in school. Does anyone have expertise working with pupils with Downs Syndrome?

  • Hi Sarah - would you have 20 mins after 4 pm? - I have a question I'd like to ask you about resources for developing receptive language skills.

  • I've just finished a Masters in SEN - let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.

  • Hi Mary - I'll be applying for principal roles in the future and I'm looking for a mentor - would you be able to guide


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7 Templates You Need in Your School

  • A template with actions to undertake when a new student enters your class.

  • A template to outline the steps for organising school trips

  • A letter template for quick notes home.

  • A template with methodologies you’ve tried – when helping students with SEN

  • A template to help new teachers get to know the school quickly and independently

  • A template that outlines when special learning weeks (e.g. Maths Week etc) will happen each school year.

  • A template with ideas that you could post to your LinkedIn or social 


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AP2 roles - are they worth it?

After reading lots of teachers talk about teacher burnout - I’m sharing my thoughts on applying for AP2 roles.

When making changes to your life - always weigh up the pros and cons. Know what you have to give and plan in advance what you are WILLING TO GIVE.

My energy is a positive and loving one here - I’ve made decisions in the past and regretted them in the end - but coaching has greatly helped me to understand my decision-making processes and treat myself and others with greater compassion. It’


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These simple strategies will transform your leadership job application

  • Use positive words like impressive, special, support,

  • Give the results. Use the STAR technique in your job application. State what you did, break it down into the actions you did and give the result of your actions.

  • Expect that they will want to hear your best stories. (*No, they aren't judging you- you're supposed to be telling your best career stories).

  • Add your LinkedIn profile link if you're active on the platform.

  • Make your job application easy to read using headings and subheadings.

  • Remembe


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Evidence of LAOS

What Are The Most Challenging LAOS Topics?

The main concerns in interviews that my clients have are...

  • How to answer the conflict question.
  • How to answer the challenging situation question.
  • The fact that they feel that their competition ‘is high’ for the role
  • How to answer the ‘vision’ question.

School principals can avail of coaching to help them plan their vision, to help them strengthen team dynamics, to help them reflect on how they responded to incidents of conflict or discuss challenging situations. Isn’t that cool?

Most 


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Time Management Tips For Interviews

Let’s talk about tips for ➡Time Management⬅.

It’s one of my FAVOURITE topics to help clients with - because there are loads of ways they save time and they don’t notice it.

In this interview question, you need to tell them all the ways that you manage your time.

Examples here might be: 

  • Your calendar/diary/wall planner - ensures that you have records of things you need to do. If you manage your diary correctly – you won’t miss important events etc. Is this something you do?
  • You may forwar


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How is LAOS 2022 different to the LAOS 2016 version?

How is the LAOS 2022 different to the 2016 version?

I've always loved the Looking at Our Schools Document because it provides teachers with a framework to assess and reflect on how we are developing as professionals. I created a resource with practical questions that help teachers to reflect on how they are progressing in their careers. You'll find it here.

As we progress and make changes in the education system the LAOS document is a fantastic place to allow career and executive coaches to support schools as an organisation and their school leade


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How do I deal with an unsustainable work load with my AP1?

How do I deal with an unsustainable work load with my AP1?

Today we are talking about teaching sustainably. I had a query lately that I feel it's important to share and offer my thoughts on the matter. Here's the query from a follower. 

Hi Orla, I’ve recently secured an AP1 post and there are so many duties that need to be covered. I don’t know how I’ll get through them all. I know I can do it but it seems like such a mountain of things to cover. What should I do? 


Firstly, congratulations on getting the role! How did you celebrate? In life, we ofte


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How do I give evidence if I'm not in a managerial role?

How do I give evidence if I'm not in a managerial role?

Today’s question is a common question that I'm asked by clients. 

I am currently filling out the deputy principal application form and looking at this doc but where I am struggling is regarding answering some of the major questions (seeing as I am not in a managerial role - and some of these questions are written regarding what you are doing already). Would the language be a case of "I would" rather than I do - or what would be your advice here? Getting the language right is really stumping me.


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