Margaret O’Riordan

Margaret O’Riordan’s work with learners who have general learning disabilities began in the 1980s. Over the years, she has worked with learners of all ages, in admissions and also coordinating the school leaving process. She participated in the NCSE’s review of Special schools and classes as part of the Special Education/Inclusive Education Department at DCU. Within her role at DCU, she lectured in Curriculum and Pedagogy (MSEN), SPHE and Social Skills, as well as Arts education (PGDip). While there, she also collaborated with ICEP Europe on the development of the blended Professional Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education and taught the module on Mild General Learning Disabilities. As a teacher and educator, Margaret is passionate about the rights of pupils with learning disabilities. She has a keen interest in curriculum with a particular focus on certification, arts in education and education for wellbeing and resilience.

Currently Module Lead for the General Learning Disabilities Module on the MA/PGDip in Inclusive and Special Education which is delivered in partnership with Hibernia College, Margaret is also deputy principal of a large urban special school.