IPPN

Last Updated: Wednesday, 08 February 2012 15:11

Retiring primary school principals are volunteering to help new principals adjust to their jobs and lead schools in the delivery of high-quality education outcomes, according to the Irish Primary Principals’ Network, the professional body that represents over 3,350 primary school leaders.

Seán Cottrell, IPPN Director, said retiring principal teachers are volunteering in large numbers to work with IPPN in supporting, mentoring and coaching newly appointed principals.

‘IPPN has a team of almost 50 retired principals who are actively engaged on a voluntary basis in the support and  mentoring of newly appointed principals.

‘They are using the vast wisdom they have acquired over the years about education, children, teachers, families and the wider school community to help newly appointed principals adjust to their new roles and continue to lead our primary schools in the delivery of high-quality education outcomes,’ said Mr Cottrell.

IPPN President Gerry Murphy said principals are helping to ensure that teachers’ transition to their new roles is as smooth as possible.

‘IPPN is anxious to support newly appointed principals in adapting to their new roles through support, mentoring and coaching.

‘Principals are key in creating a professional learning community in which staff work collaboratively to set clear goals for student learning, assess how well students are doing, develop action plans to increase student achievement, and encourage inquiry and problem-solving.

‘Our retiring principals have years of leadership experience and IPPN is supporting their voluntary involvement in helping to create the next generation of primary school leaders,’ said Mr Murphy.

ENDS