Conversations on Covid-19: a viewpoint on care, connections and culture during the pandemic from a teacher educator and an Irish Traveller

Abstract

In March 2020 when life as we know it changed, we adhered to a new set of rules and a new normal that Covid-19 imposed on not only the population of Ireland but on the entire world. Throughout this experience, the co-authors of this paper engaged in a series of phone, email, Zoom and WhatsApp conversations, reflecting on how their lives changed and what that meant for them as a teacher educator/project coordinator and student on the Tobar programme in Marino Institute of Education. Tobar is a Higher Education Authority funded initiative aimed at increasing participation in initial teacher education for members of the Travelling community. Drawing on a narrative inquiry approach, the co-authors present vignettes of their respective situations on Tobar during the pandemic. Care, connections, and culture were strong themes that emanated from the conversations. Notwithstanding strict limitations, the relational dimension of Tobar was further cultivated and maintained in these unprecedented times.

Keywords:

• Covid-19
• Tobar
• initial teacher education
• Irish Travellers in education
• relationships as educator/student

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Miriam Colum

Miriam Colum is a lecturer, researcher and Tobar programme coordinator in the Department of Policy and Practice in Marino Institute of Education. She is also the School Placement Coordinator in the college. Miriam is a former primary school teacher with vast experience in both mainstream and special school settings. In 2019, as a result of her work with Tobar, Miriam was invited to sit as a Director on the Board of Directors for Exchange House Ireland, National Travellers Service. She is currently undertaking doctoral studies (PhD) in the area of leadership for inclusive education. Miriam's research interests are in inclusive education, educational leadership and special education.

Annmarie Collins

Annmarie Collins is from Navan, County Meath and a member of the Irish Travelling Community. Annmarie graduated in 2017 from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Since her graduation, Annmarie has worked in supporting educational progression through inclusive education both abroad and in Ireland. Annmarie is currently completing a Masters in Primary education with Marino Institute of Education through the Tobar programme. Growing up in the Travelling Community much of her childhood was strongly influenced by the culture and traditions of the Travelling community and this something Annmarie is passionate about sharing in her future role as a teacher.