My name is Bernadette, but I go by Bernie. Hailing from the picturesque Gaelic-speaking region of Connemara on Ireland's western coast, in County Galway. Galway is a special place where the Irish language thrives not only in the countryside but also within the city.

My educational journey was a fully Irish one, encompassing primary, secondary, and university levels. I pursued primary school teaching at Froebel College in NUIM, and my teaching path has been diverse.

I studied Irish, History, Irish translations, and Archaeology at NUI Galway. Following that, I pursued courses in Art for young children and to be a Special Needs Assistant. I spent a year in a Gaeltacht school, working as both a teaching assistant and a Special Needs Assistant. Subsequently, I qualified as a primary school teacher from Froebel College of Education NUIM. I then dedicated two years to teaching at a Gaelscoil in Greystones.

In the evenings, twice a week, I taught the Irish language for three hours at NUIM, catering to adults, mature students, and trainee teachers. Upon moving to Doha, Qatar, I engaged in a year of teaching at a British Curriculum school, offering a valuable contrast to the Irish curriculum. Later, I was invited to join a team of four teachers to educate a prominent Qatari family within their home—an unconventional and enjoyable educational experience outside of a typical school setting.

After this unique opportunity, I returned to the classroom setting. I embraced a new curriculum—the IB International curriculum—for the past six years. The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is globally recognized and shapes well-rounded students with an emphasis on critical thinking, diverse understanding, and a holistic learning approach.

Additionally, I had the pleasure of spending a year in Bergamo, Italy, working at an Italian IB International school—an experience that added to my professional journey.

Book a trial lesson with me and we will discuss your goals and what you want to achieve in the Irish language, and we will have a bit craic agus spraoi along the way.