NABMSE Calendar of Events (Past & Future)

NABMSE Conference & AGM 9th and 10th October 2025

Hodson Bay Hotel

Join us for two inspiring days filled with thought-provoking workshops and dynamic presentations, all centered around this year’s powerful theme: Beyond Labels: Every Journey Matters.

Keynote Speaker: Professor Michael Shevlin and Guests.

🗓 Event Dates: 9th and 10th October 2025
📍 Location: Hodson Bay Hotel, Roscommon Road, Athlone, N37 XR82

Click here for Conference Schedule

Registration Information

Registration is now open. Click this link for a video guide on how to register. 

**Registration will close strictly at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 3rd. Please note that on-site registration will not be available. Once we have received your payment, your spot is secured.**

Members will need to log in to their accounts to secure a place and select their preferred workshops.

• Members: €150 per person
• Non-members: €200 per person

The member discount will be automatically applied once you are logged in and your membership is up-to-date.

Accommodation

Attendees are kindly asked to book accommodation directly with the hotel.

📧 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
📞 Phone: +353 (0)90 644 2004

Towards Equitable Pathways from Education to Employment for all – A Social Justice Perspective

Hodson Bay Hotel

Workshop host: Dr Rory O’Sullivan, DCU Institute of Education

While this workshop will outline the current national context, the focus of the discussion will be on internal pathways within schools. The aim of the workshop is to encourage the participants to reflect on how the internal pathways within schools are organised, and if and how, within national boundaries, they could be adjusted to make them more equitable.

Wake up to Wellbeing “Make Life Better”

Hodson Bay Hotel

Workshop host: Stephen Dargan, CEO, Happy Workplaces

Let’s explore wellbeing from a fresh perspective - recognising that each of us is doing our best with the resources we have and where we are. This interactive workshop invites open conversation about what a life well-lived means to each of us, and how, together, we can take meaningful steps to 'Make Life Better'.

Beyond the Label of ‘Special Class Teacher’: Exploring Real Stories from Autism Classrooms

Hodson Bay Hotel

Workshop hosts: Christina Hannify, Assistant Professor in the School of Inclusive and Special Education DCU and Louise Moore, Primary School Teacher, Scoil Mhuire Junior, Newbridge

As Ireland experiences exponential growth in special classes for autistic students, this workshop sheds light on what lies beyond the label of ‘special class teacher,’ highlighting the complex, nuanced professional journeys of these educators. Through authentic vignettes, participants will examine the lived experiences of autism class teachers, encompassing the challenges they encounter and the professional growth that ensues. The workshop aims to deepen understanding of the realities and complexities of teaching in autism classes while prompting solution-focused, actionable responses to prevalent challenges related to curriculum, planning, leadership, collaboration, and policy implementation.

Views & Experiences of Transition from Special School: Capturing the Voices That Matter

Hodson Bay Hotel

Workshop host: Leanne Connolly, Assistant Professor, Inclusive and Special Education DCU

This workshop explores the potential of the Mosaic Approach as a method of capturing student voice. It reports on the findings of recent PhD research on views and experiences of transition preparation and transition planning in Irish special schools from the perspective of student, parent, principal and teacher.