Dr Caroline McGarry, from the Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning at South East Technological University (SETU), has been awarded a Féilte Teaching Council Bursary to establish a cross-sectoral Community of Practice focused on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) entitled ‘More than Words’.
Collaborative initiative
The initiative, led in collaboration with Dr Brian Barron, Director of Waterford Education Support Centre, brings together three DEIS primary schools - Portlaw NS, St Ursula’s Primary School, and St Stephen’s De La Salle - alongside SETU’s Faculty of Education and Lifelong Learning and the Education Support Centres of Waterford, Wexford and Kilkenny. The project aims to promote inclusion by supporting teachers in embedding UDL principles into everyday teaching, learning and assessment.
“This bursary provides an invaluable opportunity for teachers to collaborate, reflect and grow together,” said Dr McGarry. “Through this community of practice, we hope to create an inclusive professional learning culture where teachers can explore, share and embed meaningful UDL approaches within their schools and across the region.”
The project was supported by €5,000 in Teaching Council funding and included key activities such as:
- A regional UDL workshop in Waterford Education Support Centre (February 2025) featuring guest speakers, school showcases and action planning.
- School-based lesson studies (March–May 2025) where teachers collaboratively design and observe UDL-infused lessons in literacy, history and music.
- An SETU Music School Carnival of the Animals orchestra showcase which invited all students to experience a range of musical instruments and performances.
The More than Words Community of Practice is grounded in the Teaching Council’s Cosán framework and aligned with Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) 2022, fostering collaboration, leadership and inclusive pedagogy.
Strong partnership
Dr McGarry noted that the project builds on SETU’s strong partnership with education support centres, local schools and its commitment to lifelong learning:
“UDL offers a practical and inclusive approach to support the diverse range of learning needs in primary school classrooms. It has been an absolute privilege to work closely with superb educators across the South East and to observe exceptional teaching and learning in practice,” she said.
Teachers reported enhanced learner motivation, increased inclusion for pupils with additional needs, and a renewed sense of creative freedom in lesson design.
Dr Barron added: “The enthusiasm from teachers has been extraordinary. The appetite to continue beyond the bursary speaks volumes about the impact of collaborative professional learning.”
The initiative has also led to partnerships beyond the original scope, including ongoing links with SETU Music School, who are committed to supporting all learners in our community through a range of outreach events.
