Leadership, Balance & Children First: Deirdre Kelly
Welcome to IPPN’s Leading for Impact podcast. In our first ever show, Brian O’Doherty sits down with Deirdre Kelly, newly elected president of IPPN and principal of St. Michael’s National School in rural Sligo.Deirdre shares her personal journey from a childhood steeped in education to a career spanning special schools, disadvantaged settings, and nearly two decades as a teaching principal.She reflects on the steep learning curve of leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the constant challenge of balancing classroom teaching with the demands of school leadership.Deirdre also discusses her path into IPPN governance, her priorities for her presidency, and why authenticity and keeping children at the heart of every decision will guide her tenure. This is an honest, engaging conversation about leadership, advocacy, and creating safe, thriving school communities.THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUTHow a family tradition in teaching shaped Deirdre’s career in education.The unique rewards and challenges of being a teaching principal in a small rural school.The value of mentorship and collegiality for new school leaders.Managing the “perfect principal” myth — and learning to say “this is enough.”Articulating teaching principals’ views at national level through IPPN.Why authenticity and a child-centred focus will define Deirdre’s presidency.GUEST DETAILSDeirdre Kelly is the principal of St. Michael’s National School, a five-teacher rural school in County Sligo, and the newly elected president of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network (IPPN). With a teaching career that spans special schools, disadvantaged settings, and large urban schools, she brings a wealth of experience to her leadership role. A graduate of Froebel College and Trinity College Dublin, Deirdre has served on IPPN’s National Council and Board of Directors, advocating strongly for teaching principals. Known for her authenticity, passion for member engagement, and commitment to keeping children at the heart of decision-making, she is dedicated to creating safe, supportive, and thriving school communities.MORE INFORMATIONIPPN is the officially-recognised, professional network for the leaders of Irish primary schools. It is an independent, not-for-profit, voluntary association, with a local, regional and national presence.Established in 2000 to address the professional needs of school leaders, IPPN’s focus has been to support school leaders locally and to shape educational policy, practice and priorities nationally. IPPN articulates the collective experience and professional insights of over 6,000 Principals and Deputy Principals.It provides practical resources, professional learning, and peer support to strengthen leadership capacity and sustainability.IPPN also advocates on behalf of school leaders, ensuring their perspectives influence education policy and practice.Its structure includes local Principals’ Support Groups, county networks, and a National Council, all overseen by a Board of Directors.Through national and international partnerships, IPPN works to create an environment where leadership thrives — benefiting pupils, schools, and communities.Learn more about IPPN, and the work they do in education at ippn.ie.QUOTESThis is enough and I am enough. Some days that’s the most important thing you can tell yourself – Deirdre Kelly It is such a privilege to be a teaching principal because I absolutely have the best of both worlds – Deirdre KellyBeing a teaching principal is like juggling all the time — and then someone throws in three extra balls. – Deirdre KellyThe reason IPPN exists is for the children — so they can have the best possible outcomes in our schools. – Deirdre KellyIf I’m not at the table highlighting the concerns of teaching principals, then who is going to – Deirdre KellyKEYWORDS#SchoolLeadership #TeachingPrincipal #EducationLeadership #IPPN #ChildCentredEducation #MentorshipMatters #WorkLifeBalance #LeadershipJourney #AuthenticLeadership #DeirdreKelly #IPPNPodcast
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