Eugene Flynn

Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching

Donegal – Letterkenny

Can you tell us your name, job title and the course you studied at ATU?

Eugene Flynn
Secondary school teacher and part time Lecturer
Course studied: MA in Teaching and Learning (MALT)

Can you share your career path to date?

 I completed my Leaving Certificate in 1984 and began my career by serving my apprenticeship as a carpenter from 1984 to 1985. Following this, I applied to Thomond College of Education (now part of University of Limerick), where I trained as a Woodwork and Technical Drawing teacher. I graduated in 1989.

After graduating, I worked in a school in the UK from 1989 to 1990, teaching Craft, Design and Technology as well as Graphical Communication up to A-Level standard. I then returned to Ireland and took up a position with the Western Health Board, working as a woodwork instructor from 1990 to 1995. In 1995, I secured a teaching position in my former school, St. Patrick’s College Tuam. In 2009, the school amalgamated with St. Jarlath’s College, where I continue to teach today. In 2022, I joined Atlantic Technological University Letterfrack on a part-time basis as a School Placement Supervisor. In 2024, I took a career break from my teaching role to lecture on the teacher education programme and in Graphics at the Well park Road campus of Atlantic Technological University. This was a one-year appointment, after which I returned to my position in St. Jarlath’s College.

At present, I continue teaching in St. Jarlath’s College while also supervising student teachers from ATU on their school placements

What does your current role involve?

In my current role as a secondary school teacher, I teach across all five practical subject areas: Graphics, Technology, Wood Technology, Construction Studies, and Design and Communication Graphics (DCG). I work with students  across all year groups, including both Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle classes, and I currently have examination classes at both third-year and Leaving Certificate level.

My role involves planning and delivering both practical and theory-based lessons, supporting students in developing design, problem-solving, and hands-on technical skills, and preparing them for state examinations. A significant aspect of my teaching centres on project-based learning, enabling students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and practical contexts.

I also serve as Head of Department for our subject area. This involves coordinating subject planning, supporting colleagues, managing resources and specialist facilities, and ensuring consistency and quality in teaching and learning across the department.

In addition, I am actively involved with a professional network of teachers in the Design Engineering Graphics (DEG) group. Through this collaboration, we focus on upskilling in emerging technologies, sharing resources, and supporting effective delivery of the evolving curriculum.

Alongside my school-based role, I work as a School Placement Supervisor with Atlantic Technological University. In this capacity, I take on a mentoring role, visiting student teachers during their school placements, observing their teaching practice, and providing structured feedback to support their professional development

What motivated you to start studying?

What motivated me to begin studying was a long-standing  belief that when you are genuinely passionate about what you do, it never feels like work. I have always been able to self-motivate, particularly in areas that interest me. This intrinsic motivation became especially evident in my approach to teaching—when I am engaged and enthusiastic,  my students quickly recognise and  respond to that energy.

I have a strong, ongoing interest in education, particularly in exploring the ideas of different educational theorists and continuously improving my own practice. I am also driven by a desire to share my knowledge and support others in their learning. Pursuing the MA in Education (MALT) has provided me with the opportunity to deepen this understanding while also contributing meaningfully to the learning  experiences of others.

Why did you choose this course from ATU?

I chose this course at Atlantic Technological University (Letterkenny campus) after carefully researching a range of colleges offering an MA in Education. I  reviewed course content, delivery formats, and student testimonials across several institutions, and ATU Letterkenny consistently stood out as my preferred option.

A key factor in my decision was the flexibility of the  online and blended learning approach, which suited my personal and professional commitments. In addition, the strong reputation of ATU Letterkenny for delivering high-quality, practice-focused education gave me confidence that this course would support both my academic development and my work  in education.

How did you find the process of studying online? What elements did you find helpful? Were      there elements you found challenging?

 I found the process of studying online to be both rewarding and, at times, challenging. The most significant difficulty for me was returning to academic writing, as I had not engaged in formal writing or research since completing my dissertation in 1989.  This initially felt daunting, but the support provided made a substantial difference.

The academic  writing support from Atlantic Technological University was excellent. The dedicated academic writing department offered superb guidance, including one-to-one tutorials, which were particularly valuable in rebuilding my confidence  and skills in this area.

There were many elements of the course that I found helpful. The standard of module delivery was consistently high, and the lecturers demonstrated genuine enthusiasm and passion for teaching and learning. This created an engaging and motivating learning environment. In addition, the cohort of peers on the MALT programme contributed greatly to the experience—we worked well together and developed a strong sense of collaboration  and support.

Overall, despite the initial challenges, I found the experience highly enjoyable and very worthwhile.

How did you balance work and study?

Balancing work and study required careful planning, consistency, and a strong sense of discipline. I approached it by setting out a structured routine each week, allocating specific times for study around my work and personal commitments. This helped me stay organised and ensured that I could make steady progress without becoming overwhelmed. Time management was key. I broke assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and set realistic deadlines for myself. This made the workload feel more achievable and allowed me to maintain a consistent pace throughout the course. The  flexible, blended delivery offered by Atlantic Technological University also played a significant role. Being able to access lectures and materials online meant I could study at times that suited me best, whether that was in the evenings or at weekends. While it was demanding at times, staying motivated and focused on my long-term goal helped me maintain balance.  The support from lecturers and the encouragement from my peers also contributed to keeping me on track.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

Yes, my employer(Bord of management) was very supportive of my decision to undertake this course. My principal, having completed a Master’s in Education himself, was particularly encouraging throughout the process. He often provided practical advice and understood the demands of balancing study with professional responsibilities, which was a great support.

The course has been highly relevant to my current role within the school. As a result of my studies, I am now part of the Droichead team, where I take on a mentoring role supporting newly qualified teachers as they begin their careers. This has allowed me to apply my learning in a meaningful and practical way.

In addition, I have been able to share my knowledge with school management, particularly in areas such as action research and school self-evaluation (SSE). These aspects of the course have strengthened my contribution to whole-school development and improvement, making my studies directly beneficial to both my own practice and the wider school community.

What advice would you have for anyone considering studying online?

My advice to anyone considering studying online would be to approach it with a positive mindset, strong organisation, and a willingness to engage fully with the process. Online learning offers great flexibility, but it also requires self-discipline and consistency. Setting aside regular study time each week and creating a structured routine can make a significant difference.

It’s also important to make full use of the supports available. Engaging with lecturers, accessing academic resources, and seeking help when needed will enhance your learning experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—support systems are there for a reason.

Another key piece of advice is to connect with your peers. Even in an online environment, building relationships with your cohort can provide encouragement, shared learning, and a strong sense of community, which is very valuable.

Finally, stay motivated and keep your end goal in mind. While there may be challenges along the way, the experience is highly rewarding, both personally and professionally. I have also gained many good friends from this experience, something for which I am extremely grateful.

In what way has studying online with ATU benefitted your career?

Studying online with Atlantic Technological University has had a very positive impact on my career, both professionally and personally. It has opened up new opportunities for me within education and allowed me to expand my role significantly.

As a result of my studies, I have taken on positions such as a school placement tutor and a part-time lecturer at ATU, which has enabled me to share my knowledge and experience with others at a higher level. Within my own school, I am now part of the Droichead team, where I support and mentor newly qualified teachers as they begin their professional journey.

In addition, I play an active role in supporting staff in their ongoing educational development, sharing insights from my studies and encouraging reflective practice. Overall, the course has enhanced my confidence, broadened my skill set, and strengthened my contribution to both teaching and learning within my school and the wider educational community.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

Yes, this course has provided a number of unexpected benefits to my career. One of the most significant outcomes is that I am now in a position to lecture at third-level. I also feel fully qualified and confident to take on the role of school placement tutor, supporting and mentoring student teachers during their placements.

The course has deepened my knowledge of educational theorists, which I can now share effectively with students, enhancing both their understanding and my own teaching practice.

Within my own school, only two staff members hold an MA in Teaching and Learning, and it is clear to see the value of this qualification. The knowledge, skills, and experience gained through the course have had a positive impact, not only on my own professional development but also on the wider school community.

Did you find that the elements you were studying had practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

Yes! I am frequently invited by school management to share my knowledge and experience on a range of educational topics. These include Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, current educational developments, emerging trends in teaching and learning, and the effective integration of enhanced technologies in the classroom.  In this capacity, I promote student-centred approaches to teaching and learning, with a strong emphasis on inclusive practice. I am given opportunities to present and lead discussions, where I share my experience of implementing UDL principles and highlight how these approaches can benefit both the school as a whole and, most importantly, improve outcomes for our students.

What were the key skills you took away from your time studying at ATU?

During my time studying at Atlantic Technological University, I developed a wide range of key skills that have significantly enhanced both my professional practice and personal growth. One of the most important skills I gained was academic writing, along with a much greater confidence    conducting research. I also developed strong competencies in the use of technology in the classroom, allowing me to integrate digital tools more effectively into my teaching. The course encouraged me to explore and recognise my own creativity, as well as to engage in action research, culminating in the completion of a dissertation on a topic I was genuinely interested in. I also gained a solid understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, which has positively influenced my approach to inclusive education.

In addition, I built confidence in working collaboratively as part of a group, developed lasting friendships, and benefited from being part of a cohort with shared interests and goals. Finally, the programme deepened my understanding of the importance of leadership and management within an organisation, further supporting my role within the school environment.

My final thoughts …….

Someone once said that the “answer is in the room”… and I can safely say it was!!!!! Studying at Atlantic Technological University Letterkenny has been a positive and transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. The MA in Teaching and Learning has had a significant impact on my development as an educator, deepening my understanding of education and reigniting my enthusiasm for teaching and learning.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme was the people. I had the opportunity to build strong friendships with colleagues who shared similar interests and a passion for education. This sense of community made the journey both enjoyable and supportive throughout.

The lecturers played a central role in making the experience so meaningful. They had a unique ability to deliver content in an engaging and enjoyable way, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and real passion to their teaching. I have the highest admiration for this group of lecturers—they greatly enhanced my knowledge of education and inspired me to become even more enthusiastic about my profession. Their commitment and dedication to their students are truly commendable.

Balancing the course over two evenings per week for 18 months required commitment, but it was time very well spent. I am sincerely grateful for the experience, the knowledge gained, and the support received throughout. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for making it such a worthwhile and enriching journey.