A touch of Irish at South
Published on January 29th, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - The halls of the South School have taken on a decidedly emerald hue as of late, and a group of four European women may be to blame for the atmosphere change. Where there once was traditional American learning and classes, there is now an understanding of another culture and a different way of thinking.
Through an agreement with the University of Limerick, four Irish students studying to be teachers have spent the last month at South School observing the American style of teaching. Mary Mullins, Joanna Muller,, Siobhan Hennessy and Triona Mullally have observed in the classroom, but have also taken the time to speak about Irish culture and customs. Hennesy even put on traditional Irish dress, and performed traditional Irish dancing for the kids.
“I really can’t say enough what the girls have brought to the school in terms of their energy, kindness and different perspective,” said South School Principal Nick Leonardos. “I think whatever they’ve taken away from the school and the learning atmosphere here, the kids and faculty here have benefitted ten-fold.”
The actual program germinated from a very informal conversation between Leonardos and one of his Cambridge neighbors. The neighbor, a college professor in Boston, mentioned four Irish girls interested in travelling to Boston to observe the American classroom. The four teaching students from the University of Limerick and the school on the south side of Stoneham became a perfect international fit.
“They’ve been a breath of fresh air,” said Leonardos.
The girls were also enthusiastic about the program, and the benefits culled from their time in Stoneham.
“I would describe the experience as simply brilliant,” said Mary Mullins. “The facilities, the children, the teachers; everything has been a dream.”
The girls described many differences between schools in America and Ireland, beginning with the intense need for teachers in the Emerald Isle.
“They have a separate art teacher, music teacher, and the classes are a bit smaller in America,” said Muller “In Ireland, all the subjects are taught by one teacher through the day in one classroom”.
“Please don’t misunderstand because we have great schools in Ireland, but there we have mandatory thirty minutes for religion, and another mandatory half-hour for Gaelic,” added Muller.
Another adjustment for the girls involvement the length of the school day, and as Irish schools start later.
“We’re looking forward to going back home so we can catch up on our sleep,” joked Triona Mullealy.
The Irish school day typically begins at nine a.m., and has breaks every few hours. American schools tend to start earlier, finish later, and two large breaks for recess and lunch.
“We’ll also be taking away some unique approaches toward the way the class is set up, and different techniques to get through to the kids,” said Hennessy. “You get so used to teaching in a certain style, and it’s wonderful to witness something very different.”
The girls have enjoyed the recreational aspects of their time abroad as they’ve gone shopping visited Harvard Square, and experienced the arctic blast of a New England winter.
“I think they’re pretty happy to go back to Ireland, and use some of what they’ve learned,” said Leanardos. “Teachers are really in need over there, and these girls are a great example of the new wave of Irish teachers.”
The girls have left such a lasting impression on Leonardos and the school the he hopes to someday, someway duplicate the experience.
“This was set up so informally that there isn’t anything in place to repeat it,” said Leanardos. “But I’d be thrilled to host more teachers, and have the program expanded.”
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