Dr Patrick Sullivan

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” These words by John Dewey resonate deeply with Patrick’s work at the NCCA. Reflecting on the future, he continually considers how the curriculum should evolve to prepare children for an unknown world.

Patrick began his career as a classroom teacher in Callystown National School, Clogherhead, Co. Louth, before becoming the founding principal of a new primary school in Navan, Co. Meath.

Since joining the NCCA in 2013, Patrick has contributed to significant curriculum developments, including the Primary Curriculum Framework, the Primary Mathematics Curriculum, the Primary Language Curriculum/Curaclam Teanga na Bunscoile and the updating of Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework. He holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and completed his Doctorate in 2018.

As Deputy-CEO of NCCA, Patrick oversees early childhood and primary developments. He values engaging with diverse perspectives on education, focusing on what today’s children need, and deserve, as they help shape the future.