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“I Don’t Have Time” - Why That Might Be the Very Reason You Need a Coach

Let’s be real—life as a teacher is full on. Between the demands of school, family, initiatives, and everything else stacked on your plate, it probably feels like there’s barely enough time to breathe, let alone focus on your career.

So when you hear someone say, “Maybe you should get a coach,” it’s easy to think, “Yeah right. When exactly would I fit that in?”

I get it. Completely.

But here’s the thing no one tells you


You don’t have to take time to develop your career.

But if you do? It w


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Mar 28, 2025 07:54am
By Orla Dempsey
Under #careercoaching, #Interview, #AP, #DeputyPrincipal, #Education, #applications, #cpd, #career, #CPD, #AP1, #AP2 & FAQs
3 min read
Blog Covers

“Do You Do Job Applications for [X Type of Role]?” — Here’s My Honest Answer

This is a question I get asked a lot, so let’s clear it up with love and honesty.

Yes, I do support job applications
 but only for teachers inside The Confident Career Leader Programme.

And I’d love to share why - not to gatekeep, but to genuinely give you the best experience possible.

Job Applications Aren’t Just Paperwork

Most people think it’s as simple as handing over a form and getting a quick edit. But that’s not how real support works  - at least, not the kind that actually lands in


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Mar 27, 2025 08:27pm
By Orla Dempsey
Under #careercoaching, #AP, #DeputyPrincipal, #Education, #applications, #AP1 & #AP2
2 min read
Blog+ Podcast Quotes by Guest Speakers (1)

LAOS - Leadership Interview Questions Based on the 4 Domains

Here are 40 sample questions based on the Looking at Our Schools (LAOS) framework tailored for the Irish school setting:

Domain 1: Leading Learning and Teaching

  1. How would you ensure the effective implementation of SĂ­olta and Aistear in the school?

  2. How would you monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning across all classrooms?

  3. How do you ensure continuity and progression in literacy and numeracy?

  4. Can you describe a time you implemented a whole-school initiative to improve student learni


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Dec 23, 2024 12:22pm
By Orla Dempsey
Under #Career, #Interview, #Interview questions, #AP, #DeputyPrincipal, #Primary and Post Primary Interviews, #AP1, #AP2 & #Principal
4 min read
Podcast (3)

Brand New Method to Understand The Four Domains to Simplify Your Interview Answers

Lately, I’ve been finding myself discussing the impact that teachers have in their role. Helping them to see things from an external perspective has been a real game changer in helping them articulate their skills and the difference they have made.

This blog explains why you should reflect on your impact as a school leader and gives you common statements I hear. See if you can think about the impact that these teachers may have had as a result!

Self-Awareness

Self-reflecting on the impact that you'


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Aug 13, 2024 08:00am
By Orla Dempsey
Under #Interview, #Interview questions, #DeputyPrincipal, #Interview Preparation, #How to SAF, #Growth mindset, #applications, #CPD, #AP1, #AP2 & InspiringSchools
5 min read
School Leader Quiz (Instagram Video) (1)

Don't Skip This Step: 5 Accommodations That Should Be Made in Your Job Application Form

đŸ€Ș Literacy Teachers: You know what it's like to read a bunch of essays.
You need to BRACE YOURSELF for the task.
Some students love to write and write. 10 pages later and you're still reading.

đŸ€š Job applications are like this.

Your job application lands itself into a bundle with others.

Some job applications can be 21 pages long.

So, what accommodations can YOU make to help the reader and STAND OUT?

1. Think about it from their perspective.

Who will be reading this form? What would they be truly 


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Dec 18, 2023 06:00am
By Orla Dempsey
Under #CV, #AP, #How to SAF, CV Review, #applications, #AP1 & #AP2
3 min read
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FAQs About The Four Domains Simplified Course for School Leaders

Are you curious about the Four Domains Simplified Course?

I know that you may have questions that you'd like answered. đŸ€© So I thought I would address some of the questions that I’ve been getting about it. Here are the top questions I'm being asked. 

1. Is ‘The Four Domains Simplified’ better than ‘Help I’ve an Interview in a Week’?

In ‘Help I’ve an Interview in a Week’, I teach Looking at Our Schools through the lens of a variety of interview questions – each starting with the phrase ‘How do 


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Aug 18, 2023 06:03pm
By Orla Dempsey
Under #careercoaching, #primaryschoolteacher, #Interview, #Interview questions, #AP positions, #AP, #DeputyPrincipal, #AssistantPrincipal, #Interview Preparation, #Teaching, #applications, #AP1, #AP2 & #Lookingatourschools
9 min read
How to Fill in an AP1 Post Application Form

How to Fill in an AP1/AP2 Post Application Form

Applying for an AP post is an important step in advancing your career in education. The application process can vary depending on the school's requirements. In this blog post, we will explore three common ways to apply for an AP1 and AP2  post, including applying through a cover letter, applying through a cover letter and CV, and submitting a standard application form created by the school/training board. We will also provide tips to make your application stand out and guide you on how to best s


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May 3, 2023 08:00am
By Orla Dempsey
Under #jobapplications, #Career, #careercoaching, #principal, #AP positions, #applications & #AP1
3 min read
Interview advice (1)

Unlocking Growth: Five Tips for Giving Effective Feedback

Giving feedback can be a daunting task, whether it's to a colleague, employee, or even a business. However, it's an essential part of growth and development. Here are five tips to help you give effective feedback:

Create psychological safety 

Creating a safe and supportive environment is key when giving feedback. It's important to ensure that the person receiving the feedback feels comfortable and safe to receive it. This means being respectful and empathetic, while also being clear and direct


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Apr 19, 2023 01:56pm
By Orla Dempsey
Under #primarymockinterview, #principal, #DeputyPrincipal, #Post Primary, #Teaching, #AP1, #AP2, Learning & #LAOS
2 min read
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Your leadership network might sound like...

  • Hey all, I have a question about an issue that I'm having with a student in school. Does anyone have expertise working with pupils with Downs Syndrome?

  • Hi Sarah - would you have 20 mins after 4 pm? - I have a question I'd like to ask you about resources for developing receptive language skills.

  • I've just finished a Masters in SEN - let me know if I can be of any assistance to you.

  • Hi Mary - I'll be applying for principal roles in the future and I'm looking for a mentor - would you be able to guide


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Jan 30, 2023 08:00am
By Orla Dempsey
Under #News, #Teacher, #careerbreak, #careerchange, #careercoaching, #education, #primaryschoolteacher, #jobs, #Opportunity, #SAF, #teacher, #primarymockinterview, #primarymockinterviewpreparation, #DeputyPrincipal, #TeacherIreland, #MĂșinteoirBunscoile, #Primary, #AP1, #AP2, #STARtechnique, Leadership & #Lookingatourschools
1 min read
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AP2 roles - are they worth it?

After reading lots of teachers talk about teacher burnout - I’m sharing my thoughts on applying for AP2 roles.

When making changes to your life - always weigh up the pros and cons. Know what you have to give and plan in advance what you are WILLING TO GIVE.

My energy is a positive and loving one here - I’ve made decisions in the past and regretted them in the end - but coaching has greatly helped me to understand my decision-making processes and treat myself and others with greater compassion. It’


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Jan 10, 2023 08:00am
By Orla Dempsey
Under #jobapplications, #Teacher, #careerchange, #careercoaching, #education, #whatcanido, #jobs, #opportunity, #Career Change, #SAF, #saf, #teachers, #teacher, #Job Applications, #principal, #Leadership, #leadership, #Primary, #AP1 & #AP2
3 min read

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