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John Coolahan.
THE Education Centre, Tralee will pay tribute to a great Kerry educator at the launch of his latest publication next week.
Tarbert native John Coolahan, Professor Emeritus of Education, NUI Maynooth will attend the Kerry launch of Towards The Era Of Lifelong Learning: A History of Irish Education 1800-2016 on Thursday, October 5 at its location in Dromtacker near the ITT north campus at 5pm.
The Centre will inaugurate the John Coolahan Education Lecture Series to mark John’s distinguished career as an educationalist over the past five decades and in particular the esteem with which he regards the profession of teaching.
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John continues to identify the teacher as the greatest resource in education with particular reference to Irish education.
He regards the teacher’s potential to influence students as a privilege and constantly refers to the centrality of the teacher when discussing education matters.
He will address this theme once again on October 5 when he delivers the inaugural lecture in the series.
John’s remarkable career at home in Ireland and internationally as teacher, teacher educator, academic researcher and author coupled with his commitment and contribution to education innovation and policy formation is recognised worldwide.
In 2012 he was conferred with the Degree of Doctor of Education honoris causa by the National University of Ireland for his sustained contribution to education in Ireland and internationally over many years.
He has served as a consultant for the World Bank, been involved with many OECD reviews and informed every reforming initiative in Irish Education for past 30 years and more.
Born in Tarbert John attended Tarbert NS and went on to Secondary Education at St. Ita’s Secondary School. He qualified as a National Teacher in St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra before obtaining a BA HDE & MA from UCD and an MEd and PhD from TCD.
He has taught at all levels of the education system and continues to be a leading player in Irish and international education.
