1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what were you doing before arriving at THINK Global School?

I’m originally from Ireland. I completed my teacher training at Dublin City University, where I earned a Bachelor of Education and a Certificate in Religious Studies. I’ve taught both primary and high school, with my most recent role involving teaching English and Social Sciences, and facilitating Project-Based Learning. I also hold a Master’s in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

2. What do you love most about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is seeing students grow and develop their own thoughts and opinions about the world. I love to see students challenge their perceptions – both of the world around them and of themselves – especially when they try things they didn’t believe they were capable of.

3. What aspects of THINK Global School’s educational model do you find most appealing?

TGS enables students to learn in an authentic, real-world context. Students travel to environments and societies vastly different from their own and develop cultural competence to inhabit a globalized world. TGS supports students’ holistic development, who they are as a whole person, not just their academic attainment.

4. If you could make one major change to global education, what would it be?

I would like education to be impactful and authentic. If students could apply their skills and knowledge to real-world context through engagement with their communities and industry experts, I believe our young people would be more engaged and empowered to tackle the challenges we face in the world.

5. Describe your teaching style or philosophy. Do you have any unique teaching methods you use to keep students engaged?

I adapt my teaching approach based on student needs, but I particularly enjoy a student-centered, inquiry-based approach. This encourages students to actively explore and investigate questions based on their interests. I believe learning is co-constructed, so creating experiences where students engage with experts and learn from one another is important.

6. Tell us about your favorite teaching experience pre-TGS.

I have so many great teaching memories, it’s hard to pick just one! However, one of my favorite courses I developed focused on songs and poetry. Students analyzed and interpreted popular songs through a poetic lens before writing their own poems. They gained a new appreciation for poetry and a deeper understanding of the music they loved. Through exploring songs together and expressing themselves through poetry, students also gained a deeper understanding of one another.

7. What is your most memorable travel experience thus far?

Japan – I feel like I only scratched the surface, so I’d love to go back soon. From Kyoto’s rich history to Tokyo’s distinct districts, there’s so much to explore. I also spent some time snowboarding there, and it was the best snow and terrain I’ve ever experienced.

8. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?

There are so many places I’d love to visit, it’s so difficult to choose! I really enjoy hiking and being outdoors, so I hope to visit Patagonia and the Dolomites in the near future.

9. What is your favorite book, and why?

I enjoy dystopian fiction because it often reflects current societal issues and provides a space to think about challenges through a fictional lens. My current favorite is Prophet Song, but 1984 and The Handmaid’s Tale are close contenders.