Thanks to a generous philanthropic donation, Dublin City University was delighted to launch a major national initiative in 2019 to recognise the transformative role of teachers and the enormous contribution they make in Irish society.
Through a national advertising and publicity campaign, Teachers Inspire encouraged members of the public to share their personal story of how a teacher transformed their lives and/or their community. Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese and Dublin footballer Jonny Cooper were among high profile figures in Irish life who shared their own inspiring stories and urged others to do the same.
Over 400 submissions were received from across the Republic of Ireland from individuals wishing to recognise teachers who inspired excellence, passion, imagination, creativity, compassion and courage. Entries spanned over an eighty-year period, from the 1940s to the present day, covering an array of inspirational teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, and the Further Education and Training sector.
The 2019 campaign will culminate in the inaugural Teachers Inspire Ireland gala dinner in DCU in September 2019 when teachers from across Ireland will be acknowledged and celebrated. Four teachers, one from each province, will be presented with a Desmond Award, named after businessman and philanthropist Dermot Desmond, who has generously supported the initiative.