Services Summary
Elevate Interview Skills with Expert Coaching
Mastering Principal and Teacher interviews for success.
Transforming Education Environments
Creating positive environments for teachers and students.
Principal and Teacher Consulting Services
Tailored services including principal coaching, staff seminars, SNA training and student-teacher mentorship.
Consulting Services for Parents
Empowering parents with resources and techniques to actively engage in their child’s education.
Our Services
Elevate Interview Skills with Expert Coaching
Whether you are fresh out of college, an experienced teacher seeking a new position, or principal pursuing a position at another school, our services are designed to meet your needs.
We specialise in honing your interview skills, ensuring you present yourself effectively and confidently. We provide thorough application reviews to increase your chances of success. We help you craft compelling Standard Application Forms that highlight your strengths and experiences. Also, we prepare you with coaching in advance of an upcoming interview and fine-tuning your presentations.
Transforming Education Environments in Primary Schools
Whether you are an experienced principal, deputy or assistant principal, or a newly appointed leader juggling the workload and expectations of students, teachers, parents and Boards of Management whilst trying to navigate the demands of the Department of Education, McBain Education Consulting brings 35 years of experience to guide you on your journey via the following services:
- Staff seminars with emphasis on well-being, teaching in a positive environment and conflict resolution
- Staff well-being in a positive environment
- Managing parent expectations
- Student engagement/behavioural management
- Managing difficult conversations /conflict resolution
Principal and Teacher Consulting Services
Principal mentoring
This service involves creating positive environments for both students and teachers that uphold the well-being of staff and students, as well as effectively managing expectations and stress levels. Additionally, we advise you on strategies to cultivate positive relationships with parents, guiding time management and delegation strategies, and facilitating the establishment of a sustainable work-life balance. McBain Consulting provides personalised support, offering one-on-one advice to address current challenges and alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed, whether through in-person sessions or via Zoom, during or after regular school hours. Moreover, we equip principals with crisis management skills, empowering them to adeptly respond to unforeseen situations as they arise.
Teacher mentoring
Our teacher mentoring services offer comprehensive support to teachers through staff seminars where we advise on fostering staff well-being in a positive environment, effectively managing parent expectations, enhancing student engagement and behavioural management, and navigating difficult conversations or conflict resolution.
For SNAs, our training sessions conducted during school planning days focus on their professional development and sharing expertise related to the unique needs of pupils with additional educational needs.
Our 1:1 student-teacher placement coaching services offer personalised guidance, beginning with pre-placement followed by practical advice and support for overwhelmed students in a calm and supportive environment. Additionally, post-placement reviews are conducted to identify areas for improvement and enhance future placements.
Our teacher placement coaching services includes an advice clinic specifically designed for newly appointed or overwhelmed teachers. This clinic offers guidance on effective planning and preparation strategies, empowering them to thrive in their roles and achieve their professional goals. We offer personalised support and resources they need to excel in their careers.
Consulting services for parents
Parents seeking guidance on selecting the most suitable secondary school for their child based on their individual needs and abilities will benefit from our expert advice. Understanding Drumcondra test scores and their implications is crucial in making informed decisions about secondary school selection. Additionally, we help you recognise signs of unhappiness or school refusal in your child as well as assisting you with finding support and resources for a child with special needs. We provide guidance on the educational assessment process and help you effectively communicate with teachers, principals, Boards of Management, and the Department of Education to best address your concerns. Working collaboratively with teachers and school staff will help you support both the academic progress and emotional well-being of your child.
Further Consulting Services
We offer further consulting services for Special Needs Assistants (SNAs), taking place during school planning days, to enhance their professional development, focusing on their integral role in supporting students. Additionally, we share expertise on how to handle the needs of pupils, ensuring SNAs are equipped with the necessary skills and understanding to support their students.
Furthermore, personalised 1:1 coaching for student-teacher placements is available, beginning with comprehensive pre-placement information to ensure a smooth transition. This coaching extends to providing guidance and support for overwhelmed students in a safe and nurturing environment. We also review Student Teacher placement to improve on future placements.
Why Work With Us
With over 35 years of educational experience and 26 years as a principal, Hilary brings a wealth of expertise in both teaching and administrative roles. Throughout her career, with a Masters in Educational Management and Leadership, she has served as a lecturer at Trinity College, Froebel College of Education, and the Church of Ireland College of Education. Hilary’s approach to problem-solving is solution-driven, characterised by a calm, caring, and positive can-do attitude.
Having held positions on boards such as IPPN, NCCA, and the Diocesan Board of Education, Hilary possesses extensive experience in management, strategic planning, and conflict resolution and has been described as an inspirational leader.
Recently, Hilary has expanded her skill set by qualifying as a Coach and Mentor through Kingston College. Currently, she is pursuing accreditation as a Certified Mediator with the MII, further enhancing her ability to facilitate positive outcomes in various professional settings.
