A DONEGAL principal, hailed as ‘the best there is’, has scooped ‘Teacher of the Year’ award at a national competition.
Gerard O’Kane from Craigtown National School in Carndonagh has received the title of Teacher of the Year, Ireland, in his 48th and final year of teaching.
There were 56 children in the school when Gerard first took the helm at Craigtown National School as principal in 1982. The small school had grown to over 170 children on roll when Gerard retired in June 2024.
On winning the prestigious Teacher of the Year title, Gerard shared some recollections on his 48 year career, including advice for young teachers.
“I’d always had an interest in teaching which probably went back to my own school days when we’d be sent to look after the small kids,” said Gerard.
“I wasn’t a great student and was in the 1b class at secondary school, so not with the ‘high achievers’.”
Gerard reflected that his first teaching post was in Castlefinn.
“I went into teaching in 1973, training for three years in Manchester. As a Liverpool supporter, being in Manchester was interesting but I really enjoyed it, playing football at the weekends and doing a bit of studying in between. I qualified in 1976 and got my first teaching job in Castlefinn, where I spent three years. Then I was at a school in Tir Na Sligo until 1982 when I applied for the Principalship in Craigtown.
“In those days when you qualified as a teacher you were shown into your classroom and away you’d go. There wasn’t as much emphasis on the paperwork that teachers have today. It wasn’t as intense. Young teachers today are highly trained with a massive background of knowledge to draw from. I always say to new teachers, ‘you have your own school in your own classroom’ and it’s for you to run your ‘school’ as you see fit, up to a point of course.”
He urged new teachers to take time to develop a good relationship with their pupils.
“My advice for new teachers is to take it easy and build up a good rapport with their pupils, colleagues and parents. Of course be prepared but also be prepared to ‘switch horses’ if your lesson isn’t going to plan.
“ I’ve had times when I’ve thought I’ve had the best lesson prepared and the children just haven’t got it. As a teacher, you have to think on your feet and adapt.
“It’s natural as a teacher to try and get ahead of yourself and get into the habit of taking work home or worries about the day, but I encourage teachers to take time for themselves. There will be time enough to catch up the next day. People working in manual jobs are physically exhausted at the end of the day and teachers are mentally exhausted. They need to switch off when they are home.
“As for parents and children, it used to be that children came to school, got their education and went home. Now there is more parental involvement. It’s like a triangle with the teacher, the parent and the child and it’s important to keep that triangle together. As a parent, if you have a worry about your child don’t let it fester. Make an appointment to sit down with your child’s teacher and talk it out, or with the principal if necessary. Most things can be resolved and teachers are fantastic at sorting out wee issues.”
Gerard celebrated his 48 years of teaching with an end of year mass, attended by pupils and parents past and present, saying: “It was an unbelievable moment, seeing everyone together and having a cup of tea. I feel humbled to have been voted Teacher of the Year in Ireland. I’d like to thank everyone that voted for me. It means the world.”
TRIBUTES
“He has the patience of a saint and is great craic,” said one person.
“Such a kind man loved by both young and old. He always goes above and beyond for his students,” said another nomination.
A third added: “The man is pure class. My son moved from London and was struggling to adapt. Mr O’Kane not only helped my son to adapt and fit in, but by the end of the first year, he was excelling in every single subject. I really can’t thank ‘Sir’ enough…..he is really the best.”
Others praised Gerard’s unique teaching style: “Gerard can make everyone listen and help them understand without any stress or effort. Teaching 48 years and I don’t think you’d find a pupil past or present who wouldn’t love to be back in his classroom for one day.”
Gerard wins a €500 Carndonagh Gift Card and Craigtown National School wins a €500 Carndonagh Gift Card. The Carndonagh Gift Card is part of the Town & City Gift Card concept, and is led by Carndonagh Traders’ Association.
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