Teacher Profiles

Faculty

Principal

Mónica Prieto, PhD

Principal

I graduated with a BA in English Philology from the University of Deusto in Bilbao, where I also received my teaching certificate. I was awarded an MA and PhD in Languages and Linguistics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the United States.

I have more than 20 years of international experience in program development, organisation and coordination at the Universities of Illinois, Mississippi and Florida International University.

For four years I was the Diploma Program Coordinator at SEK-International School-El Castillo. Working at a continuum school gave me the opportunity to gain deeper insight into the four IB programmes. I also work with the IB directly in a range of different capacities, I am a workshop leader, examiner and visit team member for IB verification and evaluation visits.

Coordinator

Gareth Finn Academic Coordinator

English Language and Literature teacher

I graduated in English Language and Literature from the University of Liverpool, after which I worked in local journalism, publishing and social enterprise projects. This led me to work closely with young people and allowed me to see how exposure to literature and the sharing of stories could be transformative to young lives. Because of this, I moved into teaching, completing my postgraduate teacher training and later an M.A. in education.

I have worked in schools across the United Kingdom, Argentina, Spain and the Republic of Ireland.

I am a passionate advocate the importance of reading for pleasure in schools.

Faculty

Mary McKey

English Acquisition teacher

After completing my BA degree in English and Geography at NUI Maynooth, Ireland, I lived and worked in Spain for three years, and understand, first-hand the importance of immersion in the target language and of a holistic approach to learning. I have a TEFL Diploma and have done an MA in Education. I have worked in SEK-Dublin for many years. It is a great source of satisfaction to see the personal, social and academic progression of our students.

Mariángeles Martínez

Spanish Language and Literature/ Acquisition teacher

Following my passion for languages, I graduated in Philology from the University of Valladolid. After several years teaching in Spain I moved to Ireland and worked as a professional translator for some large multinational corporations but I missed the warmth and vibrancy of the classroom and so returned to education. Teaching as vocation is hugely rewarding due to the bonds you make with colleagues and students.

Nicole Gubbins

Mathematics and Biology teacher

I completed my undergraduate degree in Middle Level Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the United States. After teaching for a year, I completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

I have taught extensively in the United States, Argentina, Morocco, Turkey and Switzerland. Living, working and studying in an international environment broadens every aspect of our horizons.

Ultan Slevin

Mathematics and Design teacher

I graduated with an honours degree in Polymer Technology from Athlone Institute of Technology and following this, I worked in the engineering industry.

I followed this with an MA in International Teaching from Framingham State University, Massachusetts, USA, achieving a perfect GPA.

I have worked for several years in Bangkok Thailand and the Republic of Ireland.

Mathematics is a universal language and a language that drives and motivates me to stimulate the minds of my students.

Serena Campbell

Counsellor and english teacher

I obtained a master's degree from The Catholic University of America in International Affairs with a concentration in International Education. After a decade in academia, I decided to further my professional growth through an International Professional Certificate in Professional Practice of Education, UK Level 6 Certification through Liverpool Hope University. I added-on a Bilingual/Multilingual Educators Certificate, and Applied Behavior Analysis training through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Now in my fourteenth year in education, I am passionate about teaching and learning. To me, teaching means: affecting the change that I wish to see in the world, by empowering future generations, through education.

Enda Holohan

History teacher

I graduated from University College Dublin with B.A Honours in History and Classical Studies. I completed my Masters in History in Dublin City University, and from there I completed my postgraduate teacher training at University College Dublin once again. My interest in teaching grew from my experience as a teaching assistant at the Centre for Talented Youth of Ireland, in Dublin City University.

I have taught extensively, across multiple curricula, the International Baccalaureate, Irish curriculum and English National curriculum and several countries including Ireland, England and the U.A.E.

As an educator, I believe in the education of the whole person and the many benefits of a balanced and well-rounded educational experience. My teaching interests lie in twentieth-century European history, as well as geopolitical movements and alliances.

Edward Lacey

TOK Coordinator

Visual Arts and Design teacher

I graduated with a BA in Visual Arts Practice from the Institute of Art and Technology. After which I became and art practitioner and teacher. Professionally and voluntarily, I have taught art to all ages, developing students´ artistic skills as well as their understanding of art to help them express themselves in a variety of artistic mediums.

John McShane

Physical and Health Education teacher

I studied Physical Education and German in the University of Wales, Bangor, U.K. and returned to Ireland in 2004. I have worked in education and sport for over 15 years. FIFA qualified in football up to UEFA 'A' elite, I am the current F.A.I. Irish schools u18s international manager. I have a broad interest in many sports and have also qualified up to UEFA B in Futsal. I have a strong passion for learning and development. My aim is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and lifelong participation in sports and activity. I also have experience of working in the new Junior Cycle for Physical Education in the Republic of Ireland. I have qualifications in Sport Psychology, Sports Law, and Sports Management and I am currently studying for a masters in the Science of Coaching in Sport in the University College of Dublin, U.C.D.

Catherine Clulow

Biology Teacher

I graduated with my Masters in Science in Biodiversity and Ecology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, after which I worked in the NGO sector in conservation and environmental education. Upon completing my Post Graduate Certificate in Education with the University of South Africa, I changed career path into secondary school teaching. I am passionate about inspiring others to live sustainably, appreciate and conserve biodiversity. We are global citizens that are responsible for leading a paradigm shift in the current and future generations to strive to maintain balance and uphold respect of all living beings and resources.