Portlaoise Institute had proudly announced that its Principal, Mr Keith McClearn, has recently achieved a significant milestone in his academic and professional career.
Mr McClearn has recently been awarded an
Educational Doctorate (EdD) in School Leadership from Dublin City University.
The educator has been Principal at Portlaoise Institute since April 2023, prior to which he was Deputy Principal at Portlaoise College.
Mr McClearn has an extensive teaching career, spanning 12 years in both the UK and Ireland
The Galway native gained qualifications from University College Galway, Sheffield Hallam University and Trinity College Dublin.
Under his stewardship as Principal of Portlaoise Institute, the college has seen record numbers enrolled over the last two years, with over 500 students enrolled in 2024.
There has also been a large investment in facilities such as three new computer rooms, a new hairdressing salon and an expansion to a second campus to facilitate the growth in numbers of Portlaoise Institute.
“I would like to thank the staff and management of Laois and Offaly Education Training Board for their support over the last four years,” Mr McClearn said.
“The organisation has always been a steadfast champion of staff development and I have received every possible encouragement and support from them.
“Achieving a doctorate has been a lifelong ambition of mine, my chosen research topic focused on empowering and encouraging school leaders.
“(This is) an area I am deeply passionate about and one that aligns with the values we hold at Portlaoise Institute.
“Leadership in education is essential to creating
environments where both staff and students can excel, and I am committed to fostering that spirit of leadership within our college.”
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