Shane McArt

Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching

Donegal – Letterkenny

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

Shane McArt, Deputy Principal Deele College Raphoe (Donegal ETB)

Master in Arts Learning & Teaching

Can you share your career path to date?

I trained as a PE teacher at St Mary’s College, Strawberry Hill, and worked in London for one year after completing my training. Upon returning to Ireland, I took up a position in Crana College, Buncrana, as a teacher of PE and later as a Positive Behaviour Liaison Teacher. I subsequently served as a Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) teacher before successfully applying for the role of Deputy Principal in Deele College, where I continue to work today.

What does your current role involve?

Deele College is a co-educational post-primary school with approximately 840 students and nearly 100 staff. It is a busy and dynamic environment, and my role encompasses leadership and management support, the effective delivery of teaching and learning, pastoral care and student welfare, staff management and support, and the administration and day-to-day operations of the school.

What motivated you to start studying?

I was motivated to start studying as I felt I needed a new challenge and wanted to continue progressing in my career. I was particularly interested in developing the knowledge and skills required to move into a senior school management position. At the same time, I strongly value lifelong learning and saw this as an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. It was just the right time personally and professionally to begin the MALT course when I did.

Why did you choose this course from ATU?

The MALT course in ATU Letterkenny offered an accessible and convenient opportunity to engage in further study while balancing professional and personal commitments. As a teacher looking to progress professionally it supported career progression, particularly for those aspiring to move into leadership and management roles within schools. In addition, the course reflected a strong commitment to professional development and lifelong learning, enabling me to deepen my knowledge in up to date pedagogy and up to date educational practices.

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

Most of my lectures were face to face on Friday evenings and a full day Saturday. Any online work was easily accessible.

How did you balance work and study?

The part time structure of the course allowed study to be done at one’s convenience. Everyone on my course worked in the field of education so was living and breathing a lot of the course content on a daily basis.  

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. Donegal ETB see the value in professional development. The most important element in schools is Teaching & Learning and ensuring that students get the best educational experience. The MALT allowed someone like me who was teaching a number of years to get a refresher experience.

Did this course provide any unexpected benefits to your career?

I honestly think that this course played a part in me landing a Deputy Principal role.

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

Yes. Particularly in the areas of assessment, teaching practices and improving presentation skills.

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

A teacher undertaking the MALT course would develop a strong range of skills, including leadership and strategic thinking, enabling them to contribute effectively to school vision and planning. The course also strengthens communication and interpersonal skills. In addition, it promotes critical reflection and self-evaluation, allowing teachers to analyse and improve their practice, alongside enhanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities for dealing with complex situations.