Welcome to IPPN’s Leading for Impact podcast.
In our first ever show, Brian O’Doherty sits down with Deirdre Kelly, newly elected president of IPPN and principal of St. Michael’s National School in rural Sligo.
Deirdre shares her personal journey from a childhood steeped in education to a career spanning special schools, disadvantaged settings, and nearly two decades as a teaching principal.
She reflects on the steep learning curve of leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the constant challenge of balancing classroom teaching with the demands of school leadership.
Deirdre also discusses her path into IPPN governance, her priorities for her presidency, and why authenticity and keeping children at the heart of every decision will guide her tenure. This is an honest, engaging conversation about leadership, advocacy, and creating safe, thriving school communities.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
- How a family tradition in teaching shaped Deirdre’s career in education.
- The unique rewards and challenges of being a teaching principal in a small rural school.
- The value of mentorship and collegiality for new school leaders.
- Managing the “perfect principal” myth — and learning to say “this is enough.”
- Articulating teaching principals’ views at national level through IPPN.
- Why authenticity and a child-centred focus will define Deirdre’s presidency.
GUEST DETAILS
Deirdre Kelly is the principal of St. Michael’s National School, a five-teacher rural school in County Sligo, and the newly elected president of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN).
With a teaching career that spans special schools, disadvantaged settings, and large urban schools, she brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. A graduate of Froebel College and Trinity College Dublin, Deirdre has served on IPPN’s National Council and Board of Directors, advocating strongly for teaching principals.
Known for her authenticity, passion for member engagement, and commitment to keeping children at the heart of decision-making, she is dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and thriving school communities.
MORE INFORMATION
IPPN is the officially-recognised, professional network for the leaders of Irish primary schools. It is an independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association, with a local, regional and national presence.
Established in 2000 to address the professional needs of school leaders, IPPN’s focus has been to support school leaders locally and to shape educational policy, practice and priorities nationally. IPPN articulates the collective experience and professional insights of over 6,000 Principals and Deputy Principals.
It provides practical resources, professional learning, and peer support to strengthen leadership capacity and sustainability.
IPPN also advocates on behalf of school leaders, ensuring their perspectives influence education policy and practice.
Its structure includes local Principals’ Support Groups, county networks, and a National Council, all overseen by a Board of Directors.
Through national and international partnerships, IPPN works to create an environment where leadership thrives — benefiting pupils, schools, and communities.
Learn more about IPPN, and the work they do in education at ippn.ie.
QUOTES
- This is enough and I am enough. Some days that’s the most important thing you can tell yourself – Deirdre Kelly
- It is such a privilege to be a teaching principal because I absolutely have the best of both worlds – Deirdre Kelly
- Being a teaching principal is like juggling all the time — and then someone throws in three extra balls. – Deirdre Kelly
- The reason IPPN exists is for the children — so they can have the best possible outcomes in our schools. – Deirdre Kelly
- If I’m not at the table highlighting the concerns of teaching principals, then who is going to – Deirdre Kelly
KEYWORDS
#SchoolLeadership #TeachingPrincipal #EducationLeadership #IPPN #ChildCentredEducation #MentorshipMatters #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipJourney #AuthenticLeadership #DeirdreKelly #IPPNPodcast
What is Leading for Impact with IPPN?
Leading for Impact explores the experience of the practice of primary school leadership, the challenges that arise and the opportunities that present, with insights provided by expert voices from education and beyond.
We bring you conversations with school leaders who've faced the same impossible juggling acts we all know too well, plus policy makers, mental health experts, and stakeholder voices who understand the systemic pressures you face.
You’ll discover evidence-based solutions, hear how other schools have tackled similar challenges and gain fresh perspectives that help you see your own practice with new clarity.
Leading for Impact – Real conversations for real school leaders from IPPN, the network for Irish Principals and Deputy Principals.
Discover more at ippn.ie