Meet the Faces Behind Ireland’s Curriculum Developments

Dr Jacinta Regan, Director Curriculum and Assessment

I joined NCCA in 2015 as a part-time project officer. After a rewarding decade as a primary school teacher in a developing school, I transitioned into a full-time Education Officer role in 2018 and in 2022 I became a Director for Early Childhood and Primary Education. My current work focuses on the curriculum area of Wellbeing, which encompasses Social, Personal and Health Education and Physical Education. I also have a keen interest in intercultural education and play as pedagogy.

A major milestone in my career was completing my doctorate at Dublin City University in 2024. This achievement has broadened my understanding of education and provided fresh insights that I apply every day at NCCA. Teaching taught me what matters for children and what works for teachers, and that hands-on, practical perspective shapes how I approach every piece of work.

What I enjoy most about working in NCCA is getting to dive into research and work closely with teachers and children in our pre-schools, primary, and special schools. I also love the opportunity that the role offers me to work alongside truly amazing people.

Originally from Roscommon, I now live in North County Mayo with my husband and our two children, aged 5 and 1. When I’m not working, you can find me outdoors—hiking, visiting the beach, playing Gaelic football, or even lending a hand as an assistant sheep farmer!

One idea that continues to guide my work comes from educationalist Nell Noddings: “The student is infinitely more important than the subject matter”. It’s a simple truth that reminds me why we do what we do—and who we’re doing it for.

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Arlene Forster, Chief Executive

From as far back as I can recall, I wanted to be a primary teacher when I ‘grew big’! Following my Leaving Certificate trí mheán na Gaeilge, I completed a Bachelor of Education degree with science in Stranmillis College, Queen’s University. During my early career I worked in schools in Monaghan, Tyrone and Dublin where I taught all classes and co-ordinated music, science, and maths at school level. Through these different roles and school contexts, I learned from inspiring teachers, school leaders and children. This experience showed me the importance of the curriculum offering broad, balanced and meaningful learning experiences so that children can discover and develop their strengths and interests while building foundational knowledge, understanding and skills. 

An emerging interest in educational leadership led me to postgraduate studies in University College Dublin, and into middle leadership in school. My studies eventually took me to the NCCA where I’ve worked as Education Officer, Director, Curriculum and Assessment, and Deputy Chief Executive. Through these roles, I’ve had opportunities to lead areas such as early childhood education, curriculum review, assessment, mathematics, and science. 

I became NCCA Chief Executive in November 2020. Rooted in research, close engagement with schools and settings, public consultation and collaboration, our curriculum development work consistently reminds me of Dewey’s powerful message that education is not a preparation for life, but is life itself. Much is expected of the curriculum, possibly even more than it can achieve. Working with talented and committed colleagues, I’m guided by the importance of the curriculum being inclusive of all children and young people; being relevant, engaging and appropriately challenging; and setting high expectations for all. This makes the work challenging, often contested, and hugely interesting and rewarding. 

Hailing from the Drumlin Belt in Co Monaghan, I now live in Co Meath with my husband and two daughters. In my spare time I love to travel and am a seasoned home-exchanger. Closer to home, I enjoy walking, hiking and gardening, and am currently dipping my toes into the world of Hyrox which is great for switching off from the busy curriculum development space!