Inspiring Limerick teacher earns recognition
Award for kind and compassionate teacher
A TEACHER in Mungret has been recognised for her commitment and dedication to her students, with the Teachers Inspire Ireland Desmond Award.
Jill Farrell, a teacher in St Nessan’s National School in Mungret, was one of four teachers who received the award at a special ceremony in Dublin City University (DCU).
Jill was nominated by Justyna Brzezicka - a mother of one her past students Aimee.
She was put forward for the award for the support and compassion she showed to the family.
“We need to give our children permission to be themselves and to explore the world in their own time, and not compare themselves to others,” Jill said.
As well as getting fitness guru and online sensation since the pandemic, Joe Wicks to visit the school, Jill organises yoga and mindfulness classes for the students.
Jill made such an impact that Justyna decided to go back to college to qualify as a Special Need Assistant - going on to work in Jill’s classroom as part of her course.
Organised and run by DCU, Teachers Inspire is a country-wide initiative to celebrate teachers and recognise the transformative role they play in our lives and in our communities.
Author Louise O’Neill hosted the awards and curates and presents the podcast.
“I feel immensely privileged to have listened to, and shared, the stories of so many inspirational educators.
“Teachers put so much love and hard work into their jobs and have a huge impact on the lives of their students.
“I have seen first hand how they help to shape future generations, and every single teacher deserves to be recognised for the work that they do,” she said.
Dermot Desmond supports the awards through a philanthropic donation and he said: “I truly believe that teachers are the heroes of our society.
“Teachers had a profound impact on my own life, and the difference they make to the lives of children and young people across Ireland is nothing short of remarkable,” he added.
Professor Anne Looney, the executive dean of Dublin City University’s Institute of Education, said: “Teachers Inspire celebrates and recognises not only the four fantastic awardees, but the wider teaching community across Ireland who work tirelessly to shape future generations.”