Meet the … teacher: Orla Casby

What’s your favourite teaching hack?

Make the most of your trolley – it’s the most important piece of kit in a prep room. It allows me to prepare chemicals and experiments before class or before school, then wheel everything out and into the classroom when needed. I wouldn’t be able to function without one.

Imagine you can only share one piece of advice with your fellow teachers, what would you say?

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Always have a plan for your classes. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a written plan but do spend time planning what you will cover or do in the lesson. What will you need? And what might the class look like? Try to build in some sort of activity for the students, if possible.

I never go into a class without a plan. When the students see you arriving prepared and organised, that energy feeds into them. They are more inclined to rise to those standards. They get consistency from you and equally you expect the same level of effort and consistency from them … a symbiotic relationship, if you will.

How do you relax?

I like to stay active. Whether it’s walking, running, surfing, kayaking, hiking or camping – pretty much anything outdoors. Being in nature helps me unwind; it’s hard to feel stressed when you’re camping by a beautiful river, surrounded by mountains and forests.

What teaching resource do you keep coming back to?

What’s on your bookshelf?

I’m a big fan of non-fiction. I’m always dipping in and out of adventure and foraging books.

A recent read I would recommend is Is a river alive? by Robert MacFarlane. At the time of writing, I’m currently reading Intensive care by Suzanne Crowe and The dodger by Eimear Ní Bhraonain.

What do you wear to school? Do you have a favourite outfit for teaching?

Comfortable clothes! Chemistry teachers have very active days. Moving between buildings, gathering equipment, preparing chemicals and teaching classes: it’s important to be able move freely and feel comfortable.

Who’s your hero?

I don’t think I have a single hero, to be honest. Different people have inspired me in different ways throughout my life.

My secondary school German teacher, Maura Lynch (RIP), and geography teacher, Mary Devaney (RIP,) both had a contagious enthusiasm and deep love for their subjects that left a lasting impression on me. I try to bring that same passion into my own teaching, sharing my love of science and discovery with my students.

My parents have also been a constant source of inspiration – their strength, resilience, and work ethic have guided me more than anything else.

Heroes are all around us; sometimes we just need to look a little closer to see them.