Episodios

  • Israel/Gaza
    Jun 10 2024

    In this episode, I examine the complex topic of teaching children about war, specifically focusing on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Drawing from my personal background and experiences, I explore the intricacies of discussing such sensitive subjects in the classroom.

    After that, something completely different as I preview my interview with Paudie Moore, The Teacher's Coach, on maintaining teacher wellbeing.

    I also touch upon the goal of achieving 400 multi-denominational schools in Ireland and the challenges involved.

    Resources for Israel/Gaza can be found here: https://simonmlewis.medium.com/i-need-to-talk-about-israel-including-some-resources-for-your-classeoom-8435df4698dc

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    51 m
  • Interview 21: Paudie Moore - The Teacher's Coach
    Jun 9 2024

    Over the last couple of years I've chatted to a number of people about wellbeing in the classroom but usually from a child's point of view. And I've talked about resilience, growth mindset, all that kind of stuff. But one thing I'm always interested in is about a teacher's own wellbeing. I was really happy to be joined by Paudie Moore, aka The Teacher's Coach. And that's exactly what he specialises in.

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    31 m
  • The Perennial Family without a School Place
    May 27 2024

    In this episode of 'If I Were the Minister for Education', I delve into the struggles faced by families in securing school placements for children with additional needs, the inefficiencies of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and the dynamics of religious education. I also look at what can be learned from Singapore's education system, following a visit by John Boyle.

    Show Notes, as always, can be found on: https://anseo.net/?p=19743

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    36 m
  • It's (unfortunately) all about the money
    May 13 2024

    As Meja sang (I had to google her!), this episode is all about the money and it's all about the dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb decisions recently made by the Department of Education. I look at the School Book Grant, the Ancillary Grant, and look forward to the summer programme, all of which have had their funds cut.

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    36 m
  • Good GRACE!, Poland Bans Home, Warming to the Smartphone Ban
    Apr 29 2024

    This week we talk about the divestment of the first Catholic school to Educate Together, followed by the findings of the Grace report, indicating a discrepancy between the religious beliefs of teachers and their roles in Catholic schools. While one commentator blames the teachers, another blames the whole Catholic community.

    Next, I discuss the Polish government’s ban on homework for primary students, questioning the relevance and format of homework in Ireland’s education system. I haven’t changed my stance since I recorded my podcast on the topic several years ago!

    https://anseo.captivate.fm/episode/episode-39-scrap-homework

    Lastly, I confess to warming to Minister Norma Foley’s stance against smartphones in schools, advocating for a broader approach that includes legislation to protect children from harmful content. While I don’t believe it’s the school’s role to lead on it, I’m very nervous of what the future generation is going to look like if we all don’t do something.

    • 01:06 The Good Grace Report: A Deep Dive into Religious Control and Education
    • 05:37 The Shocking Reality: Teachers' Beliefs vs. Catholic School Ethos
    • 18:27 Rethinking Homework: Lessons from Poland's Bold Move
    • 24:44 Smartphone Ban Debate: A Necessary Measure for Child Safety?
    • 30:20 Wrapping Up: Reflecting on Education, Religion, and Technology

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    32 m
  • INTO Congress, Moral Panic and Gender, Book Grant Uncertainty
    Apr 15 2024

    In this episode, I explore the landscape of primary education in Ireland, focusing on the outcomes of the INTO Congress, the ongoing conversations regarding gender identity in schools, and the looming uncertainties over the primary school book grant scheme. I delve into the controversies surrounding teacher compensation for overseas work, the dominance of religious control in education, and the societal response to gender identity within educational settings. Additionally, I express concerns over potential reductions to the primary school book grant scheme.

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    40 m
  • After Josepha, Physical Aggression Rising, Estonia is the new Finland.
    Apr 1 2024

    In this episode, I reflect on the implications of Josepha Madigan's departure as the Minister for Special Education and whether the position will ever exist again. I also ponder on the INTO's survey on physical aggression. Finally, we move to Estonia and explore why they are now kings and queens of Europe and why Ireland won't be the best education system in Europe by 2026.

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    34 m
  • Education News: Mid-March 2024
    Mar 18 2024

    In this episode, I wonder about the quantum of SET agendas and why the IPPN has decided to go against its members. I discuss why the media have reduced a completely changed curriculum down to sex. Finally I deny that I've been looking through your bins. Links to articles discussed can be found on anseo.net

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    28 m