John McNeive

There is no quick fix when it comes to teaching, this truth is what fuels my passion within a classroom. No two students are the same and it is important that the needs of each and every student within a class are catered for. Both Geography and Physical Education are classes that are prone to having large gaps between ability levels. I like to continually challenge myself and my students in order to minimise this gap and obtain high class averages from organised and calculated classroom experiences. I am a hardworking, organised and reliable individual and I passionately believe in tutoring students to think logically and critically, as well as communicating the real-life significance of content being taught to students.

From 2016 to 2018, I thrived as a Physical Education teacher, cultivating a love for movement and healthy lifestyles in my students. I believe in the power of movement to not only build physical skills but also foster teamwork, problem-solving, and self- confidence. I designed engaging lessons that incorporated playful challenges, cooperative games, and opportunities for individual expression, catering to diverse learning styles and abilities. The joy on my students' faces as they mastered new skills or collaborated to achieve team goals was the most rewarding aspect of my work.

However, my desire to contribute to students' holistic development led me to embrace a broader role as Primary Teacher from 2018 to 2022. During this time, I transitioned to teaching English and Social Studies, expanding my repertoire to communication skills, foster a love for language, and critical thinking skills. This experience challenged me to adapt my teaching methods, incorporate differentiated instruction, and foster meaningful connections between subjects. Witnessing my students grapple with complex concepts, debate historical events, and express themselves creatively in writing was incredibly fulfilling.

In 2022 I was promoted to Primary Coordinator. Leading the primary section allowed me to hone my organisational and collaborative skills. I led professional development workshops, mentored fellow teachers, and fostered a positive and supportive learning
environment. My ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues earned me the trust and respect of the entire school community.

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Teaching – Geography as an elective. University of Limerick (August 2012 – August 2016)

Results: Second Class Honours Degree.
Final Year Project: ‘Environmental change: an analysis of recent weather events in Ireland and its impacts and attitudes on local Irish agriculture.’
Practical Learning Experiences: As part of the course, I completed a series of programmes in an effort to improve my practical teaching ability.

i. ‘Keeper Hill, Tipperary Hike’: A six-week training course to prepare 30 students (from the Castletroy College Limerick) both mentally and physically.

ii. Workshops with intellectually impaired teenagers: I worked with intellectually impaired teenagers on a one-to-one basis in an effort to improve their motor skills and physical responses through physical activity.