Date: 2Oth May 2026

Time: 4pm - 6pm

Location: Monaghan Education Support Centre

This follow-up face-to-face workshop is designed for teachers who have already attended the UFLI Foundations introductory session and are using the programme in their schools.

The focus of this workshop is on practical support and implementation. Participants will have the opportunity to revisit key elements of the programme, explore common challenges, and discuss ways to adapt and embed UFLI effectively in their own settings. There will be a strong emphasis on troubleshooting, sharing practice, and refining delivery to meet the needs of different learners.

Additional examples of lessons and resources will be explored, and plenty of time will be allocated for questions, discussion, and problem-solving based on participants’ real classroom experiences.

This workshop is suitable for Primary Teachers (Junior Infants to 2nd Class) and SETs who have already completed the introductory UFLI Foundations workshop.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Reflect on their own use of UFLI and identify areas of strength and areas for development.
• Troubleshoot common challenges that arise when implementing UFLI in mainstream and SET contexts.
• Adapt and refine UFLI lessons to better meet the needs of different learners.
• Use the programme resources more effectively to support planning, delivery, and differentiation.
• Share and evaluate practical strategies with colleagues to improve consistency and impact.
• Develop greater confidence and clarity in embedding UFLI as part of daily literacy instruction.

Facilitator: Deirdre O’Toole 

Deirdre O’Toole is a primary teacher and PhD candidate at Mary Immaculate College, where her research focuses on early literacy acquisition. She delivers professional development for primary teachers across Ireland, supporting evidence-informed approaches to literacy instruction. Deirdre runs Playful Classroom, providing practical, research-based teaching resources and training. She is also the founder of the Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers Facebook group and Right to Read Ireland, advocating for high-quality literacy education for all children.