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Cecelia O’Hagan

Name: Cecelia O’Hagan

Relevant qualifications and affiliations 

  • Professional Doctorate – Education and Leadership – in process, completion March 2025.
  • Level 9 Leadership in Practice Accreditation (Including Coaching and Mentoring)- University of Dundee (2021).
  • Masters of Expert Teaching – Distinction.
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (UT) – Pass.
  • Degree in Business/Marketing/Communication (1995).
  • Awarded Educational Leadership award (2016).
  • EdTech Yearbook Professional in Education (2021).
  • Professional Advisor for Awarding Bodies in NI.
  • Educational Governor for Grammar and Post-Primary, trained by EA.

Experience in one to one coaching 

My experience as an Educational Leader with over 30 years of Educational/Training experience has prepared me to support other professional leaders in post 16 and post 18 sectors.  My background in teacher education where I learned to support practitioners on their professional journey has equipped me for this role – I am always humbled by leadership through people (practitioners). These are essential skills for coaching individuals and teams through to senior leadership teams.  I have supported leaders for over 10 years including teams of principals and senior/middle leaders.  Most recently I have worked with small and medium teams and individuals in a supportive, voluntary role as part of my Educational experience.  This has involved working with them on their resilience and wellbeing as well as offering guidance in relation to team support and whole-school / college development planning.  As a past associate assessor of ETI, I am well placed to support this but also as an Educational researcher in this field I am able to bring best to excellent practice ideas to the fore.  I have been highly successful in guiding and coaching leaders through their training since 2016.  I also work as a senior governor in the grammar sector and previous was chair of governance in a post primary secondary school – both award winning schools.

  • Problem-Finding, Problem-Solving and Resilience and Wellbeing Coach for Senior and Middle Leaders (2018-present)

I have led various qualifications for senior leaders and worked with EA to support transitional opportunities for schools/colleges in NI. This has involved coaching school leaders from all sectors in Northern Ireland.  

I try to facilitate rather than coach and encourage conversations and supportive networking.  I am an advocate for communities of practice and see myself as a critical but supportive friend for those on the journey that is leadership.

My specialist areas are Strategic Leadership, Culture and Ethos and Team (Distributed) Leadership and as a co-professional and senior leader myself currently, I feel strongly that the supportive networking involved in the coach role is an essential part of the process of leadership development.

My experience and areas of impact to date include, viz: –Supporting school/college improvement through team development and leadership through the middle; building a resilient leadership team; support for continuous self assessment and leadership wellbeing; personal development for the whole person leader.

  • Research Practitioner informing Educational Leadership

I have vast experience of offering conference papers, presentations and workshops on the area of whole school/college improvement and Educational Leadership in Northern Ireland. I am very interested in progressing the early career leader in particular as they build their repertoire of skills and resilience assets. I believe this is the role of a senior teacher-educator and co-leader.  I am currently writing a book on Educational Leadership.

  • Coach/Mentor for Senior and Middle Leadership Staff as the Progress in their Career (8 years)

My experience of the last 8 years has included working with senior and middle leadership teams as they develop their skills at school/college level.  I have worked with over 100 leaders on their journey, some quotes are offered below.

  • Senior Coach in Education

I have over 30 years of Educational leadership experience and 10 years of direct senior leadership experience, up to Director level in Education and Training. My coaching experience includes upskilling teams as they develop whole school/department processes and teaching and learning in particular.  During Covid I worked with 1000 teachers in Northern Ireland including ETI and senior leaders as a professional coach and mentor.  I worked with many teams within my own work journey to advance and mentor them into their roles and to challenge and develop teams to continuously self-assess and improve.  I focus on social intelligence and working with teams in support of each other and themselves.  I empathise with both the practitioner and the leader in Education and Training.  This has equipped me with the necessary skills to offer support to the modern leader.

Past Client Quote:

I wholeheartedly recommend Celia O’Hagan as a coach and mentor for Inspire. I have had the privilege of working alongside Celia through a number of partnerships including a joint venture with Craigavon Area Learning Community in developing bespoke training opportunities for our middle leaders, and in personal post-graduate study opportunities. Celia has also facilitated staff training opportunities for our staff in school and I have witnessed firsthand her dedication and commitment to the development of others, fostering both personal and professional growth. Her ability to listen actively, provide insightful feedback, and create a supportive environment makes her an invaluable asset and contributor to any individual or team. Celia’s unique approach to coaching, combined with her extensive experience, ensures that her mentees not only achieve their goals but also exceed their own expectations. I have no doubt that Celia will bring the same level of excellence, passion, and innovation to Inspire, helping individuals unlock their full potential and drive meaningful change for individuals and within the organisations she works with. Celia’s dedication to continuous learning, research informed practice and her adaptability in various situations further enhance her effectiveness as a coach and mentor. Her positive attitude and unwavering support make her a trusted and respected figure. I am confident that her contributions will lead to significant and lasting improvements for both individuals and educational organisations. Celia is a valued and trusted professional who has played a pivotal part in my own personal development as a school leader, I have no doubt that she will continue to be instrumental in the development of future educational leaders.

Mrs Lyndsey Brown

Principal

Craigavon Senior High School

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