ISSA’s new member – Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is a University-level College of Education and the Liberal Arts, academically linked with the University of Limerick. Founded in 1898, the College is a multi-campus institution, with a student population of close to 5,000 students enrolled in undergraduate programs in Primary and Post-Primary Education, Liberal Arts and Early Childhood Care and Education, as well as a range of postgraduate programs at Diploma, MA and PhD levels. In keeping with its distinctive mission and strategic plan A Flourishing Learning Community, MIC continues to expand the range of the programs it provides, building on its strengths, while simultaneously responding to national and international priorities.

Promoting excellence and high quality teaching and research across its early childhood and teacher education programs, MIC prepares students to meet the diversity of needs in the classrooms and schools and supports each child in developing his/her potential. The College focuses on a rights-based and child-centered philosophy of education. Building on the success of last year’s conference, MIC is hosting a sequel to this conference ‘Revolutionizing Education through Play and Voice’ on October 5, 2019.

College professionals believe that through promoting excellence in initial teacher education programs from early childhood to post-primary level, the lives of children, families and the broader society can be enhanced. MIC promotes the concept of education for all and actively engages in research to support students in enabling all children to flourish.

Mary Immaculate College is currently in the planning phases of developing an early childhood education space at the College, where students can experiment with, and engage in early years’ pedagogical practice as they prepare for placements in early childhood settings. If any other ISSA member organizations have experience of creating these spaces – the College professionals would love to hear about these experiences. You can email Dean of Education, (Early Childhood and Teacher Education), Professor Emer Ring at emer.ring@mic.ul.ie.