Longford teacher is new vice president of Irish National Teachers’ Organisation

A Longford teacher has become the new vice president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.

Carmel Browne, a native of Roscommon, is Deputy Principal at Melview National School in Longford town and she represented District 7, encompassing counties Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Kildare and Meath on the INTO Central Executive Committee since 2015.

Carmel has been a member of the INTO since she started her teaching career in 1980. She has worked at branch and district level and has served as District 7 representative on the Equality Committee, taking on the role of chairperson until her election to the INTO executive in 2015.

In 2002, Carmel was named the Primary Schoolteacher of the Year, winning €10,000 for her school, Melview NS, and a holiday to South Africa for herself.

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Carmel has worked with all age groups from infants to sixth class and as a learning support and resource teacher. She successfully completed her Master’s in Education in 2011 and also taught in West London for several years.

Carmel is a keen sports person, and is a member of the Executive Committee of Longford Town Football Club, having previously served as Club Secretary and as Chairperson of the Longford Town FC Supporters Club.

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Carmel advocates the benefits of being physically active for children and teachers alike. She believes now is the time for all INTO members to show solidarity and to work together to protect and improve our pay and conditions.

Carmel has no doubt that equality issues are at the core of priorities for the INTO at present and she looks forward to working with members to bring about change for the better.

INTO Vice President Carmel Browne said, "It is an honour to take up the position of INTO Vice-President. I will continue to represent our members and strive to deliver salary increases and improved conditions of employment for teachers north and south. Working with stakeholders to ensure adequate supports for the most vulnerable pupils in our care is a key priority."

Carmel added, "Continued activism at local level is integral to maintaining a strong voice for the union to ensure that collectively we are successful in achieving our goals. I encourage all members to have their voice heard at branch and district levels. I look forward to meeting members north and south in the coming months."