Ardee primary teacher Bernie Balfe has had her research dissertation recognised in a collection of education papers published by Hibernia College to showcase key research works undertaken by graduates from its Post-Primary and Primary Education programmes.
Available in print and online through the College website, Bernie’s research – undertaken during her master’s degree in Primary teaching – investigated the ‘the LGBTI+ supports available to Irish primary school teachers’.
Her findings confirmed that, with the exception of Educate Together schools, LGBTI+ issues were identified and addressed through relationship and sex education programmes in the senior end of the schools only.
Describing her research as ‘thought-provoking and important to the continued advancement of educational practice in Irish schools’, Dr Mary Kelly, Academic Dean at Hibernia College, said: “We are proud to showcase Bernie’s work as part of a collection of key research issues that permeate Irish education today”.