Joe Rolston

I am privileged to be Deputy Principal of Glenart College in Arklow, a co-educational, multi-denominational school, with over 600 students, under the patronage of KWETB. Prior to that, I worked, for 16 years, as an English, Religious Education & Philosophy teacher and Assistant Principal 1 in Presentation Secondary School, Wexford. I have completed postgraduate studies in school leadership in the University of Limerick.

I am a big supporter of the student voice, both in-and-out of the classroom. In my previous school, I established a student Learning Hub that aims to develop the leadership capacity of students by involving them more directly in the overall learning and teaching culture of the school. To further support the leadership capacity of students, I also act as a facilitator with LIFT Ireland.

I also coordinate the Community of Practice for English teachers, through the Wexford Education Support Centre, a space where colleagues share good practice, build a collaborative mentality and network with colleagues and schools around the country.

Formerly, I worked as a part-time Associate Advisor with the JCT (Junior Cycle for Teachers) English team from 2017-2020, as well as working intermittently with the NCCA. I am also an ongoing content-reviewer of English textbooks for the publisher, Edco.

I am a native of County Sligo, so I’m a very proud Yeatsman!

My big passions in life are all things pertaining to Sligo, education, literature & the arts, sport, outdoor pursuits, genealogy and local history. I also love to travel and explore new cultures. Walking different Camino routes in France/Spain/Portugal and touring New Zealand have been my travelling highlights so far.

My biggest passions, however, are being a father and husband: everything else comes secondary to my family.