A Christmas Message from the Director

As we conclude another significant year in Irish education—marked by the rollout of new curricula, new specifications, and revised child protection guidelines—I extend my warmest wishes to our entire Cork educational community: teachers, SNAs, students, families, early years educators, and school leaders. May this Christmas season bring you well-deserved rest, joy, and cherished time with those closest to you.

Gratitude and Recognition

Serving as Director of one of Ireland's largest Education Support Centres has been a profound privilege. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of spirit with which you have welcomed me—your encouragement, insights, and collaborative approach have been invaluable as I have undertaken this responsibility.

I must acknowledge our exceptional team whose expertise, professionalism, and tireless commitment to excellence ensure that your professional learning needs are met with the highest standards. Their dedication to supporting you is the foundation upon which our work stands.

Our Commitment: Clarity of Vision, Integrity of Purpose

My leadership of this centre is guided by a clear moral purpose: to serve you with integrity, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence. We exist to bridge policy and practice—translating Department of Education and Youth initiatives into meaningful, practical support that enhances teaching and learning in every classroom across our region.

We listen. We respond thoughtfully within the Teacher Professional Learning framework established by the Department. And we act with the understanding that quality professional learning is not merely about compliance—it is about empowering educators to transform lives.

2026: A Year of Strategic Innovation

Our vision for the year ahead is ambitious and purposeful. We have curated partnerships with outstanding local practitioners, developed innovative collaborative projects, and designed professional learning experiences that are practical, evidence-informed, and directly applicable to your daily work.

I encourage you to subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter—January 2026 will bring announcements of programmes specifically designed to add tangible value to your professional practice and, ultimately, to student outcomes.

Leading with Purpose

It is an honour to lead this centre and to serve the Cork educational community with the professionalism and moral clarity this role demands. I am committed to fostering innovation, championing excellence, and ensuring that our work together continues to elevate the quality of education across Ireland.

Thank you for the trust you place in us. I look forward to the continued partnership that will define our work in the years ahead.

Wishing you a lovely Christmas with your families. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

With warm regards,

Edmond Hussey

Director

Cork Education Support Centre