The Teaching Council - John Coolahan Research Support Framework Bursary Award 

The John Coolahan Research Support Framework marks the immense contribution of Professor John Coolahan to the field of education at home and abroad. His work, life and energy are an inspiration for all who care about teaching, learning and research.

The Framework offers support to teachers and others in using existing research to inform their practice, or in carrying out new research, either in collaboration with others or independently. The Framework is a key element of the Council’s CROÍ Research Series (Collaboration and Research for Ongoing Innovation) which places a strong emphasis on research activities which strengthen the links between research, policy and practice, and on collaboration among teachers, and between teachers and other stakeholders in education.

In 2021, the Teaching Council undertook a review of the Framework to ensure it continues to meet its objectives. On foot of that review, the Framework has been redesigned as two separate but complementary schemes:

  • the Research Bursary Scheme (RBS) for teachers engaged in new research
  • the Researchers in Residence Scheme (RiRS) for schools engaged in existing research

Maria's supervisors are Dr Ann Devitt and Dr Joanne Banks.