Niamh O'Leary
Cork
Summary
Experienced learning designer and educator with over 12 years' experience creating inclusive, engaging and psychologically informed learning experiences across secondary schools. education, SEN, and digital platforms. Core member of a SEN team responsible for designing, delivering and digitally tracking individual and classroom learning programmes for diverse learners. Strong background in psychology, autism, ADHD, literacy, and wellbeing, with additional experience in AI training, educational content creation, and freelance writing. Combines rigorous pedagogy with creativity, clarity and learner-centred design.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
SET Special Education Teacher (Core SEN Team)
Sacred Heart Secondary School
Clonakilty
2024.08 - Current
- Core member of the SEN department, responsible for designing and overseeing individualised and classroom-based learning programmes for students with autism, ADHD, literacy and learning needs.
- Design and deliver inclusive, differentiated curricula, learning activities and assessments across multiple subjects.
- Create accessible learning materials and structured learning pathways aligned to student goals.
- Monitor student progress and adapt learning plans in response to observed outcomes and feedback.
- Collaborate with teachers, leadership and external professionals to ensure high-quality, consistent learning experiences.
AI Trainer & Conversation Analyst
Mindrift
2023.01 - 2024.01
- Analysed, evaluated and annotated AI-generated conversations and educational content for emotional accuracy, clarity and instructional quality.
- Applied psychological insight to identify tone, escalation, misunderstanding and learner confusion.
- Produced structured feedback to improve model behaviour, explanation quality and learning usefulness.
- Worked within detailed guidelines and quality standards as part of a distributed international team.
Freelance Mental Health & Wellbeing Writer
Dara & Co / Image.ie / Study.com
2020.01 - 2024.01
- Wrote evidence-based articles on wellbeing, burnout, resilience and mental health.
- Created educational content and literature analysis for Study.com at MA level.
- Translated complex ideas into clear, engaging, learner-friendly writing.
- Responded to editorial feedback and maintained tone, clarity and accuracy.
Special Education, ESL & Literacy Teacher
Loreto Secondary School
Fermoy
2021.11 - 2023.08
- Designed and implemented targeted literacy, communication and emotional-regulation interventions.
- Created structured learning plans requiring precise documentation, monitoring and review.
- Delivered inclusive, differentiated lessons across mainstream and SEN settings.
- Worked as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting diverse learners.
English & History Teacher (Ireland & UK)
Department of Education & UK Secondary Schools
2012.01 - 2019.01
- Designed curriculum, assessments and learning resources for diverse learners.
- Taught communication, critical thinking, tone and textual analysis.
- Created emotionally safe learning environments supporting engagement and motivation.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusion & Special Educational Needs -
Hibernia College
University Certificate in Psychology (Level 8) -
University of Derby
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (English & History) -
UCC
MA in Modern English Literature -
UCC
BA (Hons) English & History -
UCC
CELTA (ESL) -
North Mon Language Institute
Skills
- Learning Experience & Instructional Design
- Curriculum & Programme Development
- SEN, Autism, ADHD & Differentiation
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Digital & Blended Learning Delivery
- Student Progress & Goal Tracking Systems
- Assessment Design & Evaluation
- Literacy & Language Development
- Educational Psychology & CBT-informed Practice
- Creative Educational Content Writing
- AI Training, Annotation & Analysis
- Stakeholder & Cross-Team Collaboration
Websites
Professional Development
- Autism, ADHD & Sensory Processing (CESC, WEC)
- CBT Skills for Educators
- Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Therapeutic Use of Mindfulness (IICP)
- Literacy & Learning Difficulties
- Wellbeing & Mental Health in Education
Languages
English
First Language
Timeline
SET Special Education Teacher (Core SEN Team)
Sacred Heart Secondary School
2024.08 - Current
AI Trainer & Conversation Analyst
Mindrift
2023.01 - 2024.01
Special Education, ESL & Literacy Teacher
Loreto Secondary School
2021.11 - 2023.08
Freelance Mental Health & Wellbeing Writer
Dara & Co / Image.ie / Study.com
2020.01 - 2024.01
English & History Teacher (Ireland & UK)
Department of Education & UK Secondary Schools
2012.01 - 2019.01
Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusion & Special Educational Needs -
Hibernia College
University Certificate in Psychology (Level 8) -
University of Derby
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (English & History) -
UCC
MA in Modern English Literature -
UCC
BA (Hons) English & History -
UCC
CELTA (ESL) -
North Mon Language Institute