Enda Kenny, TD launches new postgraduate programme that offers
innovative and flexible learning
A new postgraduate programme in Professional Studies in Special Educational Needs (SEN) offered by St Angela’s College, Sligo in conjunction with Mayo Education Centre was launched by Enda Kenny, TD on Saturday 4th of September. Mr Kenny commented on the importance of professional training and upskilling in the area of SEN. This innovative course develops the professional skills required to identify and support learners with SEN, while enabling participants to achieve a postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters qualification accredited by NUI Galway.

New SEN Programme Group in Castlebar: Back Row - Declan Courell (Registrar, St. Angela’s College Sligo), Eugene Toolan (Education and SEN, St. Angela’s College, Sligo), Students on the SEN Masters Course, Ger Deere (Mayor of Castlebar), & Art Ó Súilleabháin  (Director of Mayo Education Centre). Front row - Students on the SEN Masters Course with Enda Kenny TD (Leader of Fine Gael) and Dolores Mc Donagh (Director of SEN, St. Angela’s College Sligo) At the Launch of the SEN Masters at Mayo Education Centre.

‘There are significant developments in legislation and guidelines related to Special Educational Needs over the past decade,’ explained Dolores McDonagh, Director of SEN Programmes at St Angela’s College, Sligo, ‘This programme provides those working in mainstream schools, special schools and other settings with the knowledge and skills to respond to this changing context by promoting good practice.’ Dolores McDonagh acknowledged the partnership with the Mayo Education Centre, in particular the support of Art Ó Súilleabháin, director of Mayo Education Centre and his staff in bringing this programme to Castlebar on an outreach basis.

College partnership with the Mayo Education Centre Art Ó Súilleabháin  (Director of Mayo Education Centre), Michelle Dunleavy Lavin (Chairperson of Mayo Education Centre & SESS Representative), Dolores Mc Donagh (Director of SEN, St. Angela’s College, Sligo) and Enda Kenny TD (Leader of Fine Gael), at the Launch of the SEN Masters at Mayo Education Centre.

Dr Bairbre Tiernan, Programme Coordinator, explained the programme’s unique features: ‘A key component of this programme is examining the organisation, administration and management matters related to SEN. By understanding these matters in-depth, professionals on the programme develop a whole school approach to SEN teaching and learning.’ Dr Tiernan noted that the principals, teachers and other professionals in educational and community settings are enrolled on this programme, enabling them to share their experiences. ‘The Certificate and Diploma progression routes offer students flexibility towards completing the modules required towards a Masters qualification.’ The programme combines face-to-face input, online learning and self-directed study.

‘This is an exciting new development in the suite of programmes in Special Educational Needs within the region.’ Dolores McDonagh added, ‘St Angela’s College, Sligo is building a national reputation in the provision of high quality programmes to serve professionals working with people with Special Educational Needs.’  A second outreach programme begins in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim begins at the end of September.

Celebrating the Castlebar launch of the Programme Back Row - Art Ó Súilleabháin  (Director of Mayo Education Centre), Eugene Toolan (Education and SEN, St. Angela’s College Sligo), John Culhane (SENO officer Mayo Region), Declan Courell (Registrar, St. Angela’s College Sligo). Front Row – Michelle Dunleavy Lavin (Chairperson of Mayo Education Centre & SESS Representative), with Enda Kenny TD (Leader of Fine Gael) and Dolores Mc Donagh (Director of SEN, St. Angela’s College Sligo) & Ger Deere (Mayor of Castlebar), at the Launch of the SEN Masters at Mayo Education Centre.

For more information on the Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/Masters in Professional Studies in SEN visit click here or contact Sheila Foley, Department of Education at 071 91 95551. To discuss other SEN programmes contact Dolores McDonagh, Director of SEN Programmes at 071 91 95566.