Our People Profiles | Dr Aoife Brennan

A reputation for excellence in teacher education is one reason why Dr. Aoife Brennan was attracted to Dublin City University. As a former primary school teacher working in a special education teaching role, Aoife was really interested in how to support teachers to include all learners in the classroom. She was drawn to the Doctorate of Education at DCU Institute of Education to further her understanding of research on teacher education for inclusion. This gave her a unique opportunity to collaborate with leaders in the field of inclusive and special education. Upon completion of her doctorate in 2017, Aoife successfully secured an assistant professor role in the School of Inclusive and Special Education, and has not looked back since. 

Currently, Aoife is in the Head of School role, which reflects the various opportunities to take on different types of roles, along with a lecturing role, depending on your interests. She  teaches across a range of postgraduate programmes for teachers who want to develop their knowledge and skills in inclusive education. As an educator, Aoife is passionate about inspiring and empowering our students to make a positive impact on the world. She finds it really rewarding to work with students who are passionate about developing inclusive schools. DCU is also a leading research institution, which means that Aoife has opportunities to engage in collaborative research, with colleagues and with students, specifically in the areas of teacher education and inclusion. 

Aoife also works broadly with stakeholders from the wider community, such as schools, advocacy groups, and national agencies, to make a positive impact on education for all. Aoife believes this gives her work a strong sense of value and meaning. One of DCU’s core values is “People First”, and in her experience, people make DCU. Aoife says that above all what truly makes her profession enjoyable is working with a dynamic and collegial group of colleagues who deeply value the inclusion of children and young people in education and society. 

Contact Aoife.Brennan@dcu.ie