Research Profile

Kevin Cahill

Biography

I am a Senior Lecturer in Education in the School of Education at University College Cork. My teaching brief is currently focused on Inclusive/Special Education. I am Co-Director of the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (PDSEN). Primarily, I teach on our Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs (PDSEN) as well as on other programmes across the school. My previous appointment within the school was with our B. Ed in Sports Studies and Physical Education (2014-2016). Prior to this, I taught English and SEN at second level for eighteen years. I spent fifteen years in Mayfield Community School(1999-2014) where I served as JCSP Co-ordinator, Year Head as well as taking a lead role in extra-curricular activities. I was a Learning Support/Resource teacher and co-ordinator whilst also working as an Associate for the Special Education Support Service (SESS). I bring this experience to bear in my roles here in the School of Education. I lecture in Inclusive/Special Education, Pedagogy (English), and Sociology of Education.
I supervise many postgraduate research students at Masters and doctoral level across a diversity of topics including: Inclusive Education, Educational Inequality, Alternative Education, and Teacher Professional Learning.

Research Interests

Education and Inequality
Inclusive Education
Teacher Education for Inclusion
School Choice and marginalised student populations
Social Class and Education
Literacy and Identity
The Pedagogy of English


A primary area of focus for my research is (in)equality in Education. This was the focus of my PhD study which focused upon intersections between social class, school choice and student identity. it has sparked some of my current research and writing. There are several peer-reviewed journal articles available that develop the themes of this research.

Current Research Projects
School Choice and Marginalised Students (2021-23)
This project is exploring the experiences and attitudes of parents towards second-level school choice in the context of children with specific diagnoses of SEN. The research deploys questionnaires, policy analysis, and individual interviews to explore extant issues for parents and families.

The Pedagogy of English (2021-23)
In collaboration with Dr Niamh Dennehy, we are developing an edited book that has been conceived of as a resource to teachers of English here in Ireland and internationally. We have invited a selection of expert practitioners and academics to contribute to the book, as well as developing some empirical data from a research cohort of beginning teachers of English.



Past Research Projects
ALIAS (2015-2018)
I also maintain a strong interest in identity, schooling and literacies. I co-collaborate on a current project with Dr Dan O' Sullivan, Dr Alicia Curtin and Professor Kathy Hall. This project Adolescent Literacy, Identity and School (ALIAS), is working towards an interrogation of how literacy practices and identity intersect with one another in school contexts. The study, funded by the Strategic Research Fund here in UCC also hopes to design and implement a literacy intervention for targeted first year students in post-primary schools.
ITE4I (2015-2019)
Since 2015, I have been working as part of a research team on the Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion (ITE4I) project in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University and University College London. This is a large project funded by the National Council for Special Education which is interrogating aspects of inclusive education in initial teacher education.

Research Grants

 ProjectFunding
Body
Start DateEnd DateAward
New Avenues to Teaching (NAT): School of Education Partnership with Fiachra Long, Siobhán Dowling, Angela Desmond, Olive Byrne, Linda Doran and Anne-Marie CooneyHigher Education Authority (HEA)01-JUL-1731-DEC-20€250,000.00
Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion ( National Council for Special Education)Other: Not Listed01-JAN-1501-DEC-19€134,000.00
Explorations in Adolescent Literacy and IdentityOther: Not Listed01-MAY-1401-SEP-16€5,000.00

Publications

Books

 YearPublication
(2020)Assessment in Practice: Explorations in Identity, Culture, Policy and Inclusion.
Curtin, A., Cahill, K., Hall, K., O'Sullivan, D. and Ozerk, K. (2020) Assessment in Practice: Explorations in Identity, Culture, Policy and Inclusion. London: Routledge. [Details]

Edited Books

 YearPublication
(2023)Perspectives on the Teaching of English in Post-Primary Education
Cahill, Kevin & Dennehy Niamh (Ed.). (2023) Perspectives on the Teaching of English in Post-Primary Education Cork: Cork University Press. [Details]

Book Chapters

 YearPublication
(2023)'Critical Literacy: What is it? What does it mean for classroom practice in English?'
Cahill, Kevin (2023) 'Critical Literacy: What is it? What does it mean for classroom practice in English?' In: Perspectives on the Teaching of English in Second-level Education. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details]
(2023)'Developing the Inclusive English Classroom'
Cahill, Kevin (2023) 'Developing the Inclusive English Classroom' In: Cahill, Kevin & Dennehy Niamh (eds). Perspectives on the Teaching of English in Second-level Education. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details]
(2023)'Introduction'
Cahill, Kevin & Dennehy, Niamh (2023) 'Introduction' In: Cahill, Kevin & Dennehy, Niamh (eds). Perspectives on the Teaching of English in Second-level Education. Cork: Cork University Press. [Details]
(2020)'School Markets and Educational Inequality in the Republic of Ireland'
Cahill, Kevin (2020) 'School Markets and Educational Inequality in the Republic of Ireland' In: Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education. New York: Oxford University Press. [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]

Published Reports

 YearPublication
(2019)Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: Final Report to the National Council for Special Education.
Hick, P., Matziari, A., Mintz, J., Ó Murchú, F., Cahill, K., Hall,K., Curtin,C. and Solomon, Y. (2019) Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: Final Report to the National Council for Special Education. NCS£E, Trim, Co.Meath.   [Details]
(2018)Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: Phase 1 & 2 Report.
Peter Hick, Yvette Solomon, Joseph Mintz, Aikaterini Matziari, Finn O Murchu, Kathy Hall, Kevin Cahill, Catriona Curtin, Despoina Margariti (2018) Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: Phase 1 & 2 Report. National Council for Special Education, Trim.   [Details]

Peer Reviewed Journals

 YearPublication
(2024)'Inclusionary Leadership-Perspectives, Experiences and Perceptions of Principals Leading Autism Classes in Irish Primary Schools'
Dennehy, L., Cahill, K. & Moynihan, J. (2024) 'Inclusionary Leadership-Perspectives, Experiences and Perceptions of Principals Leading Autism Classes in Irish Primary Schools'. Societies, 14 (1):1-16   [DOI] [Details]
(2023)'Mental health and experiences of school attendance through the Irish Education Welfare Service'
O'Flynn, Sinéad, Cahill, Kevin & Connolly, Tracey (2023) 'Mental health and experiences of school attendance through the Irish Education Welfare Service'. Routledge Open Research, 2 (35) [DOI] [Details]
(2022)'Making a difference in educational inequality: Reflections from research and practice'
Cahill, Kevin; O'Sullivan, Dan (2022) 'Making a difference in educational inequality: Reflections from research and practice'. Irish Educational Studies, 41 (3):473-485 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2021)'Intersections of social class and special educational needs in a DEIS post-primary school: school choice and identity'
Cahill, Kevin (2021) 'Intersections of social class and special educational needs in a DEIS post-primary school: school choice and identity'. International Journal of Inclusive Education, :1-16 [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2020)'Views from the margins: teacher perspectives on alternative education provision in Ireland'
Cahill, Kevin; Curtin, Alicia; Hall, Kathy; O’Sullivan, Dan (2020) 'Views from the margins: teacher perspectives on alternative education provision in Ireland'. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 24 (8):849-866   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2020)'The reality of reality shock for inclusion: How does teacher attitude, perceived knowledge and self-efficacy in relation to effective inclusion in the classroom change from the pre-service to novice teacher year?'
Mintz, J., Hick, P., Solomon, Y., Matziari, A., O’Murchú, F., Hall, K., Cahill,K., Curtin, C., Anders, J. & Margariti, D. (2020) 'The reality of reality shock for inclusion: How does teacher attitude, perceived knowledge and self-efficacy in relation to effective inclusion in the classroom change from the pre-service to novice teacher year?'. Teaching and Teacher Education, 91   [Details]
(2020)'An investigation into the experiences and identity of special class teachers in Irish primary schools'
Drew, D. & Cahill, K. (2020) 'An investigation into the experiences and identity of special class teachers in Irish primary schools'. The Irish Teachers’ Journal, 8 (1):57-72 [Details]
(2019)'International perspectives on alternative education: policy and practice'
Cahill, K (2019) 'International perspectives on alternative education: policy and practice'. Educational Review, [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'Gaelic4Girls-The Effectiveness of a 10-Week Multicomponent Community Sports-Based Physical Activity Intervention for 8 to 12-Year-Old Girls'
Farmer O;Cahill K;O'Brien W; (2020) 'Gaelic4Girls-The Effectiveness of a 10-Week Multicomponent Community Sports-Based Physical Activity Intervention for 8 to 12-Year-Old Girls'. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (18) [DOI] [Details]
(2020)'Tweetez-Vous Francais? Students’ perspectives on Twitter as a pedagogical tool to enhance learning in the post-primary second language classroom'
Bell, Caragh and Cahill, Kevin (2020) 'Tweetez-Vous Francais? Students’ perspectives on Twitter as a pedagogical tool to enhance learning in the post-primary second language classroom'. Irish Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 5 (1):1-18   [Details]
(2019)'Socio-sartorial inscriptions of social class in a study of school and identity in Ireland'
Cahill, Kevin (2019) 'Socio-sartorial inscriptions of social class in a study of school and identity in Ireland'. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 40 (3):294-305   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2018)'Psycho-spatial disidentification and class fractions in a study of social class and identity in an urban post-primary school community in Ireland'
Cahill, Kevin (2018) 'Psycho-spatial disidentification and class fractions in a study of social class and identity in an urban post-primary school community in Ireland'. Research Papers in Education, 33 (1):59-72   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2015)'Seeing the wood from the trees: A critical policy analysis of intersections between social class inequality and education in twenty-first century Ireland'
Cahill, Kevin (2015) 'Seeing the wood from the trees: A critical policy analysis of intersections between social class inequality and education in twenty-first century Ireland'. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 8 (2):301-316   [Full Text] [Details]
(2014)'Choosing schools: Explorations in post-primary school choice in an urban Irish working class community'
Cahill, K. and Hall.K. (2014) 'Choosing schools: Explorations in post-primary school choice in an urban Irish working class community'. Irish Educational Studies, 33 (4):383-397   [DOI] [Full Text] [Details]
(2018)'Enhancing the Evidence Base for Irish Female Youth Participation in Physical Activity—The Development of the Gaelic4Girls Program'
Farmer, O., Duffy, D., Cahill, K., Lester, D., Belton, S. & O'Brien, W. (2018) 'Enhancing the Evidence Base for Irish Female Youth Participation in Physical Activity—The Development of the Gaelic4Girls Program'. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 26 (2):111-123   [Details]

Conference Publications

 YearPublication
(2017)Literacy Association of Ireland
Cahill, Kevin; Curtin, Alicia; Hall, Kathy; O’Sullivan, Dan (2017) Adolescent Literacy, Identity and School (ALIAS): positions, pedagogies and spaces for authoring . In: Brendan Culligan, Gene Mehigan eds. Literacy Association of Ireland Dublin, , pp.32-39 [Full Text] [Details]

Book Reviews

 YearPublication
(2019)International perspectives on alternative education: policy and practice.
Kevin Cahill (2019) International perspectives on alternative education: policy and practice. Educational Review: Book Reviews   [DOI] [Details]

Other Journals

 YearPublication
(2018)'An exploration of the transition from post-primary to third level education settings for students with special educational needs'
Daly, Martha; Cahill, Kevin (2018) 'An exploration of the transition from post-primary to third level education settings for students with special educational needs' Learn (Journal of The Irish Learning Support Association), 40 :41-53. [Full Text] [Details]
(2011)'What CLASS are you in? A study of social class, school choice and identity'
Cahill, K. (2011) 'What CLASS are you in? A study of social class, school choice and identity' The Boolean, 2 :26-30. [Details]

Thesis/Dissertation

 YearPublication
(2012)What Class are you in? A Critical Ethnography of School Choice, Social Class and Student Identity in an Irish Urban Post-Primary School.
Cahill.K. (2012) What Class are you in? A Critical Ethnography of School Choice, Social Class and Student Identity in an Irish Urban Post-Primary School. Thesis/Dissertation [Details]

Video recording / TV

 YearPublication
(2016)Appearance on RTE Nationwide representing the School of Education: Discussant on Eamonn Cashin segment.
Cahill, Kevin (2016) Appearance on RTE Nationwide representing the School of Education: Discussant on Eamonn Cashin segment. Video recording / TV [Details]

Professional Activities

Honours and Awards

 YearTitleAwarding Body
2021Teaching Hero Award National Forum fo rthe Enhancement for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
2010Kieran O' Driscoll Teaching Council Bursary Award Teaching Council

Conference Contributions

 YearPublication
(2022)Association of Teacher Education of Europe (ATEE),
Kevin Cahill, Kathy Hall, Peter Hick, Yvette Solomon, Joseph Mintz, Katerina Matziari, Finn Ó Murchú, Catríona Curtin (2022) Developing critical ‘legitimate peripheral participation’ in Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: A teacher educator perspective from Ireland. [Oral Presentation], Association of Teacher Education of Europe (ATEE), Dublin , 25-MAY-22 - 27-MAY-22. [Details]
(2022)Irish Learning Suport Association (ILSA) Spring Conference,
O'Sullivan, Dan & Cahill,K. (2022) Contemporary Issues in Inclusive Education. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Irish Learning Suport Association (ILSA) Spring Conference, Cork , 25-MAR-22 - 25-MAR-22. [Details]
(2021)Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI),
Cahill, K. (2021) School Choice (Post-Primary) and Inclusion: Parents' Perspectives. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI), Marino Institute of Education , Dublin (Hosted online) , 25-MAR-21 - 26-MAR-21. [Details]
(2021)The AIB Research Centre on Inclusive and Equitable Cultures (RINCE),
Cahill, K. (2021) An invited panel discussion exploring how to build inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities from an intersectional perspective. [Other], The AIB Research Centre on Inclusive and Equitable Cultures (RINCE), Technological University Dublin , 07-DEC-21 - 07-DEC-21. [Details]
(2020)National Institute for Studies in Education (NISE) Seminar Series,
Cahill,K. (2020) Intersections of social class and (dis)advantage in post-primary schooling. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], National Institute for Studies in Education (NISE) Seminar Series, National Institute for Studies in Education (NISE), University of Limerick , 24-SEP-20 - 24-SEP-20. [Details]
(2020)Education Studies Association of Ireland,
Cahill, K., Hall, K., Ó Murchú, F., Hick, P.,Solomon, Y., Matziari, A., Mintz, J., Curtin, C. (2020) Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion (ITE4I): The Teacher Educator Perspective. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland, Education Studies Association of Ireland, Dublin City University (Virtual) , 04-SEP-20 - 05-SEP-20. [Details]
(2019)European Conference of Educational Research,
Matziari, K., Cahill, K., Ó Murchú, F., Hick, P. Solomon, Y, Mintz, J., Hall, K. & Curtin, C. (2019) Preparing teachers to become change agents: an im/possible act for educational change? Implications for Teacher Education. [Oral Presentation], European Conference of Educational Research, Hamburg, Germany , 02-SEP-19 - 06-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019)SEN Seminar Day,
Cahill, K. & O'Sullivan, D. (2019) Cultivating Inclusive School Practice [2 hours - Circa 100 participants teachers and Principals. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], SEN Seminar Day, Waterford Teachers Centre, Waterford City , 14-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019)European Conference of Educational Research,
Hick, P., Solomon, Y., Mintz, J., Matziari, K., Ó Murchú, F., Cahill, K., Hall, K. & Curtin. C. (2019) Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: findings from a longitudinal study of system-wide reform in Ireland. [Oral Presentation], European Conference of Educational Research, Hamburg, Germany , 02-SEP-19 - 06-SEP-19. [Details]
(2019)Cultivating Inclusive School Practices,
Cahill, K. & O'Sullivan, D. (2019) Cultivating Inclusive School Practice [90 minutes - Circa 50 participants: teachers. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Cultivating Inclusive School Practices, Mayfield Community School, Cork , 26-AUG-19. [Details]
(2019)Invited Seminar,
Cahill, K. & O'Sullivan, D. (2019) Developing Inclusive Practice in School (60 teachers). [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Invited Seminar, Colaiste Chríost Rí, Cork . [Details]
(2019)International Physical Literacy Conference,
Farmer, O; O’Brien, W; Cahill, K; (2019) Gaelic4Girls’ - a multi-component, community sports-based programme for increased physical activity participation. [Poster Presentation], International Physical Literacy Conference, Winnipeg , 08-MAY-19 - 10-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019)PHE Canada Research Council Forum,
Farmer, O; O’Brien, W; Cahill, K; (2019) Gaelic4Girls’ (G4G) – evaluating the effectiveness of a 10-week multi-component community-sports based physical activity intervention for 8-12-year-old girls. [Oral Presentation], PHE Canada Research Council Forum, Montreal , 02-MAY-19 - 04-MAY-19. [Details]
(2019)European Educational Research Association ECER Conference,
O’Brien, W; Farmer, O; Cahill, K; (2019) ‘‘Gaelic4Girls’ - A Novel Sport Pedagogy Programme For Increased Physical Activity Participation’. [Oral Presentation], European Educational Research Association ECER Conference, Hamburg , 03-SEP-19 - 06-SEP-19. [Details]
(2018)PEPAYS Research Forum,
Farmer, O; Cahill, K; O’Brien, W; (2018) ‘Gaelic4Girls’ (G4G) - a multi-component community sports-based exploratory intervention for increased physical activity participation.’. [Poster Presentation], PEPAYS Research Forum, Limerick (Ireland) , 24-NOV-18. [Details]
(2018)Developing Inclusive Practice in School (60 teachers),
Kevin Cahill (2018) Differentiation for Inclusive Practice in Mainstream Classes. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Developing Inclusive Practice in School (60 teachers), St. Mary's Secondary School, mallow , 30-AUG-18. [Details]
(2018)Cultivating Inclusive Pedagogies,
Kevin Cahill (2018) Cultivating Inclusive School Practice [2 hours - Circa 100 participants teachers and Principals. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Cultivating Inclusive Pedagogies, Carrigaline Community School, Carrigaline, Cork , 07-NOV-18. [Details]
(2018)Leading Inclusion in our Schools,
Cahill,K. & O'Sullivan, D. (2018) Invited Lecture for the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (Region 7). [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Leading Inclusion in our Schools, University College Cork , 25-APR-18 - 25-APR-18. [Details]
(2017)British Education Research Association,
Hick, P., Solomon, Y., Mintz, J., Ó Murchú, F., Matziari, A., Hall, K., Cahill, K., Curtin, C. and Despoina, M. (2017) Initial Teacher Education for Inclusion: Findings from Year 1 of a Longitudinal Study of Inclusive Teaching. [Oral Presentation], British Education Research Association, University of Sussex, Brighton , 05-SEP-17 - 07-SEP-17. [Details]
(2017)Educational Studies Association of Ireland,
Cahill, K., Curtin, A., Hall K. & O'Sullivan, D. (2017) Learning at the limits: Teacher perspectives on learning and identity in post-primary alternative education settings. [Oral Presentation], Educational Studies Association of Ireland, University College Cork , 20-APR-17 - 22-APR-17. [Details]
(2018)Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport Research Forum,
Farmer, O., Cahill, K., O’ Brien, W. (2018) Gaelic4Girls’ (G4G) - a multi-component community sports-based exploratory intervention for increased physical activity participation. [Oral Presentation], Physical Education, Physical Activity and Youth Sport Research Forum, Limerick, Ireland , 05-SEP-18. [Details]
(2016)Joint Managerial Body Regional Meeting,
Cahill, K. (2016) Teaching and Learning in Context (TLC): ‘The times they are a- changing’ (90 minute seminar). [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], Joint Managerial Body Regional Meeting, Inchydoney, Cork , 17-NOV-16 - 17-NOV-16. [Details]
(2016)ESAI Educational Studies Association of Ireland conference,
Cahill, K., Curtin, A., Hall, K. and O'Sullivan, D. (2016) Adolescent Literacy, Identity and School (ALIAS): Creating third space curriculum opportunities. [Oral Presentation], ESAI Educational Studies Association of Ireland conference, Galway . [Details]
(2016)Education Studies Association of Ireland,
Cahill, K., Curtin, A., Hall, K. and O'Sullivan, D. (2016) Adolescent Literacy, Identity and School (ALIAS): Creating third space curriculum opportunities. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland, Galway, Ireland , 31-MAR-16 - 02-APR-16. [Details]
(2016)Cooperation Ireland: The North South Underachievement Practitioners Engagement Project,
Cahill, K. (2016) Literacy and numeracy: The ongoing challenge for second level schools. [Keynote Speaker], Cooperation Ireland: The North South Underachievement Practitioners Engagement Project, Dublin , 12-MAY-16. [Details]
(2016)Visting Summer School, University of Louisville,
Cahill, K. (2016) Exploring Inequality in Irish Education. [Invited Lectures (Conference)], Visting Summer School, University of Louisville, University College Cork , 30-MAY-16. [Details]
(2015)SCoTENS Annual Conference: Teacher Education for Social Justice,
Cahill, K. (2015) Teachers need to be able to do more than talk about social justice (panel discussion member). [Oral Presentation], SCoTENS Annual Conference: Teacher Education for Social Justice, Limerick , 15-OCT-15 - 16-OCT-15. [Details]
(2015)United Kingdom Literacy Association 51st International Conference,
Cahill, K., O'Sullivan, D., Curtin, A. and Hall, K. (2015) Literacy curriculum design and cultural bridging. [Oral Presentation], United Kingdom Literacy Association 51st International Conference, National College for Teaching and Leadership, Nottingham, England , 10-JUL-15 - 12-JUL-15. [Details]
(2015)Network of School Planners Ireland,
Cahill, K. (2015) Forging the Futiure through Digital Worlds. [Invited Lectures (Workshops)], Network of School Planners Ireland, Naas, Co. Kildare , 28-FEB-15 - 28-FEB-15. [Details]
(2014)International Research Methods Summer School,
Cahill, K. (2014) Critical Ethnography in a Study of Class and Identity in an Irish Post-primary School Setting. [Oral Presentation], International Research Methods Summer School, Mary Immaculate College, Limerock , 06-JUN-14 - 08-JUN-14. [Details]
(2014)Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference,
Cahill, K. (2014) Resisting the resistors: excavating the theory and practice of cultural resistance in an Irish urban school community. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference, Athlone , 10-APR-14 - 12-APR-14. [Details]
(2014)The Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Childhood Conference,
Cahill,K. (2014) Where is the critical in Junior Cycle reform?. [Oral Presentation], The Commercialisation and Sexualisation of Childhood Conference, University College Cork , 28-APR-14 - 29-APR-14. [Details]
(2014)My journey thorugh teacher-research: some reflections from the field,
Cahill, K. (2014) Invited 2-hour seminar to Masters students and faculty. [Invited Seminars/Guest Lectures], My journey thorugh teacher-research: some reflections from the field, Leeds Metropolitan University , 25-JUN-14. [Details]
(2013)NCCA Consultation Conference: Junior Cycle English,
Cahill, K. (2013) English in the digital world. [Oral Presentation], NCCA Consultation Conference: Junior Cycle English, Dublin Castle , 12-SEP-13. [Details]
(2012)American Education Research Association Conference,
Cahill, K. (2012) Class clashes: a critical ethnography of school choice, social class and identity constructions in an Irish post-primary school. [Oral Presentation], American Education Research Association Conference, Vancouver, Canada , 13-APR-12 - 17-APR-12. [Details]
(2012)Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference,
Cahill,K. (2012) There is trouble in class today: classed identities and social stratification in the education marketplace. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference, Cork , 29-MAR-12 - 31-MAR-12. [Details]
(2011)Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference,
Cahill,K. (2011) What Class are you in? Multiple constructions of classed identities in a second level school setting. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference, Church of Ireland College of Education, Dublin , 14-APR-11 - 16-APR-11. [Details]
(2011)All-Ireland Doctoral Conference for Researchers in Education,
Cahill, K. (2011) Examining classes: a critical ethnography of school choice and multiple constructions of classed identities in a second level school setting. [Oral Presentation], All-Ireland Doctoral Conference for Researchers in Education, University College Dublin , 07-MAR-11 - 07-MAR-11. [Details]
(2010)Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference,
Cahill, K. (2010) Positions, impositions and inscriptions of social class; exploring student identity action in a neoliberal market. [Oral Presentation], Education Studies Association of Ireland Conference, Dundalk , 25-MAR-10 - 27-MAR-10. [Details]

Professional Associations

 AssociationFunctionFrom / To
ESAI Member/
BERA Member/
ILSA Member/
INOTE Irish national Organisation for Teachers of English/

Committees

 CommitteeFunctionFrom / To
CACSSS Research and Innovation Committee Member- SOE reresentative2022 /
School of Education Research Committee Acting Chair/ member2021 / 2024
SOE Academic Workload Working Group Member2021 /
Inclusive Education- Special Interest Group (IE-SIG), ESAI Secretary/
Graduate Studies Committee, College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences Member/
PATH Working Group Member/
School of Education Community Engagement Committee Member2018 / 2021
Graduate Studies Committee, School of Education Member/
New Avenues to Teaching Steering Committee Member2016 / 2022

Employment

 EmployerPositionFrom / To
School of Education, UCC Lecturer10-FEB-14 /
Special Education Support Service Associate01-OCT-07 /
Mayfield Community School Tecaher of English & SEN, Year Tutor, JCSP Co-ordinator31-AUG-99 / 10-FEB-14
Kinsale Community School/ Carrigaline Community School Substitute Teacher of English & History01-SEP-97 / 30-JUN-99

Education

 YearInstitutionQualificationSubject
2012University College Cork PhDEducation
2005University College Cork M.Ed.Education
2003University College Cork HDipHigher Diploma inLearning Support
1997University College Cork PGDipEdEducation
1996University College Cork BACHELOR OF ARTSEnglish and History

Consultancy

 ClientDescription
NCCA
Member of Board for Junior Cycle
Co-operation Ireland
NSUPEP - NORTH SOUTH UNDERACHIEVEMENT PRACTITIONERS ENGAGEMENT PROJECT: Academic representative on the project steering committee
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment
Research and consultancy activities particularly in relation to English and digital literacies
Special Education Support Service
Provision of CPD to schools and teachers through visits, seminars, workshops relating to teaching students with SEN. This work also involves research and CPD development work

Outreach Activities

 Description

This seminar was provided as part of the UCC Ed-Fest 2019 where we (Dr. Dan O'Sullivan) and I presented a CPD session on developing inclusion in primary and post-primary schools.

Teaching Council Researcher in Residence 2022+

I am currently Secretary of the Inclusive Education Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI)

Presentation to visiting group from Sámi University, Norway. February 4th 2020. University College Cork. Presentation Title: "Contemporary Policy Perspectives on Inclusive Education / Special Education in Ireland". [Co-Presentation with Dr Dan |O'Sullivan].

Presentation on Inclusive Education in Ireland: Policy and Practice to a group of visiting teachers from Austria under an Erasmus Professional Development Scheme [February 3rd 2020]

I continue to facilitate and deliver CPD sessions to schools on extant issues relating to inclusive education in Ireland.

I am facilitating and supporting the development of Cork SENCo forum in collaboration with colleagues, Dr Dan O'Sullivan (UCC) and Dr. Johanna Fitzgerald (MIC, Limerick). This forum will meet at various points during the academic year to provide support and CPD to Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators in post-primary schools in the Cork area.

Journal Activities

 JournalRoleTo / From
Critical Studies In Education Referee-
Frontiers In Education Peer Reviewer-
Research Papers In Education Referee-
Diaspora, Indigenous, And Minority Education Referee-
Ethnography And Education Referee-
International Electronic Journal Of Elementary Education Referee-
Journal Of Education Policy Referee-
International Journal Of Inclusive Education Referee-
International Journal Of Research And Method In Education Referee-
Irish Educational Studies Referee-

Other Activities

 Description

I have acted as an internal and external examiner on several PhDs and I continue to provide service in this regard across my areas of interest.
External Examination:
Trinity College Dublin
Mary Immaculate College Limerick
University of Limerick

I also undertake duties as a postrgraduate programme external examiner in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Dublin City University.

Teaching Activities

Teaching Interests

I teach on the following modules across the Postgraduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs, Professional Master of Education ad the Masters in Education (modular)
PDSEN
ED6201 Special Educational Needs - School Organisation and Practice
ED6202 Assessment for and of Individual Pupil Learning and Attainment
ED6203 Curriculum Provision and Teaching Methodologies for Pupils with Special Educational Needs
ED6204 Supporting Pupils with Additional Learning Needs
ED6205 Contemporary Issues in Special Educational Needs
ED6206 Developing Inclusive Practice and Provision

School Visits: Each of our teachers on the PDSEN receive three school practicum visits where I observe their work and provide feedback on their work. These are tremendous formative teaching and learning experiences. I currently undertake 50 school visits during the academic year.

M.Ed.(Modular)
ED6035 Dissertation in Education
ED6039 The Inclusion of Pupils with Special Educational Needs: Opportunities, Challenges, Dilemmas
ED6059: Intersections of Identity and Practice in Inclusive and Special Education
PME Modules
ED6302 Introduction to Psychology and Sociology of Education

ED6361 Specialist Subject Pedagogies 2 (The Teaching of English 2)
ED6330 School Placement Support Sessions


Current Research Students:

PHD:

Shirley Murphy (Alternative Education)
- Co - Dr. Dan O'Sullivan
Molly O'Sullivan (Inclusive Education & Collaborative Practice): Co- Dr. Manolis Adamakis
Ciara Barry (Literacy and DEIS): Co - Dr. Alicia Curtin
Marcella Towler (P
lay/Work paradox in early childhood care and education): Co. Prof. Kathy Hall
Kathleen Foley ( Teacher Professional Learning): Co- Dr. Dan O'Sullivan
Claire O'Neill ( Neurodiversity and Teachers): Co - Dr. Dan O'Sullivan





 

Recent Postgraduates

 Graduation YearStudent NameInstitutionDegree TypeThesis Title
2024Linda Dennehy University College CorkPHDInclusionary Leadership: A Qualitative Study of Principals’ Experiences, Practices and Perceptions of Leading Autism classes in Irish Primary Schools
2023Stíofán Ó hUiginn University College CorkM.Phil.A Desire to Succeed: Exploring Aspiration towards Higher Education Participation amongst Members of a Socio-economically Marginalised Community
2022Annemarie Kealy University College CorkPHDCare in the Leaving Certificate Assemblage
2022Alaine Beechinor University College CorkM.Ed.An Exploration of ASD Class Teachers’ Perceptions on their Preparedness and their Self-Efficacy to Teach in an ASD Class
2022Eleanor O'Sullivan University College CorkM.Ed.Models of Collaboration of Special Needs Assistants and Classroom Teachers in the Mainstream Primary School
2021Orlagh Farmer University College CorkPHDThe design, development, implementation and evaluation of the Gaelic4Girls intervention
2021Sinéad O'Flynn University College CorkPHDEducation welfare in Ireland: a study of the experiences of young people and families referred to the Statutory Education Welfare Service
2018Deirdre Drew University College CorkM.Ed.An investigation into teachers’ knowledge, skills and attitudes towards special classes in Irish primary schools
2018Niamh O'Leary University College CorkM.Ed.Inclusive Education: Prospects, Problems and Predicaments. A critical investigation into the implementation of the new resource teaching allocation model in Irish primary schools
2017Martha Daly University College CorkM.Ed.An exploration of students with special education needs perspectives on transition from post-primary to third level education in Ireland
2017Jacinta Budhlaeir University College CorkM.Ed.Investigating how special schools mediate curriculum for students with MGLD to whom traditional Leaving Certificate programmes are not accessible following the completion of the Junior Cycle
2016Valerie Wall University College CorkM.Ed.Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) in post-primary school
2016Mary Collins University College CorkM.Ed.Behaviour Management in the Primary School: Policy and Practice Perspectives
2015Caragh Bell University College CorkM.Ed.#tweetez-vous francais: An investigation into student perspectives on the role of social media as a pedagogical tool to enhance learning in the post-primary second language classroom
2014Eukaria O'Grady University College CorkM.Ed.A critical discourse analysis of legislation and texts that determine whether religious discrimination in Irish schools’ admission policies, is legally justifiable or a human rights violation?

Current Postgraduate Students

 StudentDegree Type
Dennehy Linda Maria Doctoral Degree (Structured)
Murphy Kathleen Doctoral Degree
O'Neill Claire Elizabeth Doctoral Degree
O Sullivan Mary Bernadette Doctoral Degree (Structured)
Barry Ciara Doctoral Degree

Research Information

Internal Collaborators

 NameInstituteCountry
Dr.Alicia Curtin School of Education, UCC
Dr. Niamh Dennehy School of Education, University College CorkIRELAND
Professor Kathy Hall School of Education, UCC
Dr Dan OSullivan School of Education, UCC

External Collaborators

 NameOrganisation / InstituteCountry
Dr. Finn Ó Murchú Mary Immaculate College, LimerickIRELAND
Kamil Ozerk University of OsloNORWAY
Dr. Johanna Fitzgerald Mary Immaculate College, LimerickIRELAND
Dr. Joseph Mintz University College LondonENGLAND
Peter Hick, Prof. Yvette Solomon, Dr. Aikaterina Matziari Manchester Metropolitan UniversityUNITED KINGDOM

Contact details

  • Kevin Cahill
    Senior Lecturer BA, H Dip in Ed, H Dip in Learning Support, M Ed, PhD
  • k.cahill@ucc.ie
  • School of Education
    Lee Holme
    O'Donovan's Road
    University College Cork
  • 021 4902667

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School of Education

Scoil an Oideachais

Leeholme, O'Donovan's Road, Cork, Ireland

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