In this series, we speak to high-profile figures across a range of industries to explore the stories behind their success.
From early career choices to pivotal moments, challenges overcome, and advice for the next generation, each interview offers a personal insight into the many different paths a career can take.
This week we turn our attention to Timahoe native Kathryn Corbett (née O’Connell), who is a trailblazer in Irish education and a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and leadership.
From her early days as a dedicated primary teacher to her current role as principal of a large senior primary school in Dublin, Kathryn’s career has been defined by determination, foresight, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Along the way, she has shaped national policy, supported hundreds of teachers through induction and professional learning, and completed a PhD while raising a young family.
In 2022, Kathryn co-founded the WILL (Women in Learning & Leadership) Network, which now connects and empowers almost 2,500 aspiring and established female leaders in education.
Through this ground-breaking initiative, she has created a space for women to share experiences, overcome barriers, and inspire one another to take on leadership roles with confidence and purpose.
A proud Laois native and former Laois Rose, Kathryn’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and community.
She combines her professional achievements with a strong personal ethos of kindness, resilience, and joy in learning.
In this interview, she shares her career journey, the challenges she has overcome, and her advice for students, teachers, and anyone considering new directions in their working life.
1 – What was your very first job, and what did it teach you?
I had lot of jobs when I was younger, from babysitting and teaching in summer camps, to waitressing and bar work. All of those different jobs give you such important life skills; being organised, getting on with lots of different people, being punctual, being responsible and dependable, and also the value of money!
I’ve always enjoyed working with children-their sense of fun and their interest in learning.
2 – Did you always know you wanted to work in this field, or did your career path evolve over time?
Yes, from a very young age, I always wanted to be a teacher. I remember starting in primary school and I loved everything about it! I enjoyed reading and art in particular, and I liked the structure and routine of school.
I’ve always loved learning new things. When teachers are passionate about a subject, and when they share that passion with a class, it has such a big impact.
3 – Was there a turning point or moment that shaped your career most significantly?
There’s no one particular point for me. I’m very focused when I want to achieve something. For my Leaving Cert, I was determined to get the points for primary school teaching.
I worked so hard, and I was thrilled it paid off for me. I went to St. Patrick’s College in Drumcondra for 3 years to complete my Bachelor in Education (B.Ed).
Similarly, after teaching a few years in Dublin, I completed a Master’s in Education (M.Ed) in Maynooth University, with research focusing on mentoring and induction of newly qualified teachers.
When I complete one goal, I’m usually thinking about the next one! I was seconded from teaching to work as a Regional Development Officer with the National Induction Programme for Teachers (NIPT).
At the time it was a small pilot programme, set up to support 200 teachers as they began their career. I travelled the country visiting schools and facilitating training programmes for mentors and principals.
It was so new in Irish education at the time, so we were creating resources and training materials as we went along.
I loved the variety and I learned so much from the schools involved. The programme grew to supporting over 2,000 teachers every year.
After 6 years, I was ready for a new challenge-I was appointed as Professional Learning Officer with the Teaching Council, the regulatory body for the teaching profession.
The Teaching Council has a register of over 90,000 teachers and has the responsibility of upholding standards for the teaching profession.
My job was to develop policy on teacher professional learning, from initial teacher education to induction and on to continuous professional development.
Policy work is a slow and complicated process, involving lots of different stakeholders. I really enjoyed the work as it gave me a bird’s eye view of the Irish education system across all sectors.
I’m now principal of a large senior primary school in Dublin, with almost 500 pupils and 40 staff members.
4 – What’s one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
My whole career has been in education. It can be very frustrating to see the lack of investment and funding for schools.
I feel very strongly about the power of education to transform lives and the society that we live in. Every child has potential, but schools can’t do it on their own.
Schools are frontline to every issue that arises in society, from homelessness to the impact of social media.
Whatever is happening for children today, school is open, and teachers and SNAs support pupils with such care in both their wellbeing and their learning.
We saw during Covid, when schools closed, the different views on what the purpose of education is and the disconnect about the work that schools actually do every day.
Teaching is so much more than literacy and numeracy in the classroom. Our schools are communities that are built on relationships of trust, care and compassion.
When children feel safe and happy, there are far more likely to learn and grow in self-confidence.
When children have a positive opinion of themselves, develop good communication skills, and have respect and empathy for others, they can achieve great things.
For me, success is not about exam results. It is your sense of purpose and having a positive impact on others.
5 – How important were education and qualifications in getting to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed learning, and school and college suited my style of learning. When I’m interested in something, it doesn’t feel like work.
After I completed my Masters, I wanted to continue studying, to push myself to the highest level. I started my PhD with University of Limerick in 2014 to do further research on teachers’ learning.
At the time, I had a young family (two little girls) and I was working full time. When I’m determined to achieve something, I will always find a way.
Six years later, alongside a house move, a third baby, and a job change, I graduated! Doing a PhD is an academic marathon. It takes perseverance, persistence and a lot of patience.
The day I graduated was a hugely proud moment for me. My husband and my three children, and my parents came to the ceremony and the sense of achievement was massive.
You can’t do it on your own. It is your family support network that get you through. I would say that for any goal that you might have, personally and professionally.
I want my children to know that you can achieve anything, but it takes commitment and hard work. I was so proud to share that day with them and I hope that they will take on that attitude in their lives for anything they want to achieve.
6 – What does a typical day look like in your role—or is there no such thing?
As a principal, no two days are the same. I’m at the gate every morning to say hello to pupils as they come in.
I usually take a walk around the school then to check in with classes and different staff members.
I aim to have a school environment that is warm and welcoming, with bit of fun too. All children deserve to feel that they belong in a school.
We have 18 classrooms and we also opened an autism class 4 years ago. Teacher and SNAs do amazing work in schools and I love to chat with children as they get to start their day off in the best possible way.
There is endless paperwork and polices to do. But for me, relationships in school are Number 1.
Maya Angelou’s quote resonates strongly with me in my role as principal; “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
I am the first female principal of my school. When I started, I was in my mid 30s and I had three young children.
I needed a support network that I could relate to in terms of balancing my role in education with a busy home. In a profession that is predominantly female, the number of women in leadership in education does not correlate.
In 2022, I co-founded a network for aspiring female leaders in education with a post-primary colleague (Rachel O’ Connor) who had a similar context to me.
She too was the first female principal of her school and she had twin boys in Montessori. We wanted to create a professional support network for women interested in leadership and/or career progression in education.
We facilitate workshops, and online chats and run networking events throughout the year. After just over three years, WILL (Women in Learning & Leadership) Network has almost 2,500 members!
We could never have imagined the impact that WILL Network is having. We aim to empower women to go for leadership positions in education by discussing with female leaders in a range of different sectors (in and outside education) the barriers they have faced, the bridges that have helped overcome them, and the importance of boundaries and breathing space. I’m very proud of WILL Network.
7 – Who inspired or mentored you along the way, and what did you learn from them?
I don’t have any one person. Different people have influenced me along the way.
I had great experiences of school in both primary (Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Timahoe) and post primary (Heywood Community School, Ballinakill).
The first principal I worked with, Jimmy O’ Dwyer, was very progressive and mentored me in a kind and reflective way.
He always asked good questions, instead of giving you the answers!
The CEO of the Teaching Council, Tomás O’ Ruairc, taught me about leadership determination, the importance of networking and resilience.
I worked with so many great women leaders in education who are real changemakers too-Niamh Fortune, Mairin Ni Cheilleachar, Patricia Mannix Mc Namara, Mary Kelly, Michelle Stowe, and my WILL partner, Rachel O’ Connor.
On a personal level, my husband Lee, has always supported me in the goals I want to achieve. He has a can-do attitude that makes any barrier possible to overcome.
My parents, Donal and Dolores (O’Connell), are the same. They have always celebrated my successes, but more importantly, they are there for you for the disappointments too.
It’s their work ethic and how they connect with people that had a big impact on me. They love a bit of craic too.
8 – What advice would you give to Leaving Cert students who aren’t sure what they want to do yet? Or to adults seeking a career change?
Think about what you love doing, and pursue your passion. You never know how it will work out. Your career will be long with lots of twists and turns throughout. Look for opportunities to learn and meet new people. Work hard and be kind.
Career change is on the increase. I’ve seen lots of new teachers enter the profession with another career behind them. They bring so much life experience and perspective to the classroom.
Career progression isn’t about climbing a ladder, it’s about moving around a climbing frame. At different stages in your life, you can/want different things.
If there’s no joy, or you are unchallenged in your work, it is time for a change. I am biased, but I still think teaching is a super choice, for impact and fulfilment.
9 – If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
Take your time! Whilst qualifications are important, it is experience that will give you the wisdom and resilience to deal with the tough stuff, and celebrate all the good things.
Your network is a group of people who will support you through any of your challenges. Choose wisely. Meet people and be open to new perspectives. Always find joy in your day – it’s what will keep you motivated.
10 – What’s next for you—any goals, projects, or new challenges on the horizon?
I want to see WILL Network continue to grow and have an impact. We aim to do some research this year about the experiences of aspiring female leaders to inform the supports we put in place.
I love meeting our members and the guest speakers we have at our events. There are so many inspiring female leaders in Ireland.
This year, I’m looking forward to being involved in Project All Rise, created by Sarah Colgan. The goal of the project is to build an education system and a culture where neurodivergence is expected, appreciated, and enabled.
A sense of belonging is so important and I think this project has huge potential for the lived experience of so many children and adults.
Other than that, there’s lots more I want to achieve in the school I lead, and I always like a new challenge.
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
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