Angela Cummins

This weekend, someone asked me, “Angela, where did you disappear to for those few years?”

It caught me off guard.

I didn’t disappear.

Like many parents facing childhood cancer, my world became hospital wards, isolation rooms and getting through one day at a time🎗️

Looking back at the first photo, I see someone smiling. What people couldn’t see was the fear, exhaustion and uncertainty behind that smile😶‍🌫️

Life stopped for a while, and that’s okay💗

For anyone in the middle of a difficult chapter right now, please know that it’s okay if your world feels small.
It’s okay if survival is enough.

One day, you’ll look back and realise just how strong you really were. 💛

What an inspiring two days at the Professional Learning, Research and Practice Assembly 2026.👏🏻DCU - Dublin City University

I was privileged to present research on post-COVID absenteeism in DEIS schools and to engage in thought-provoking discussions with educators, researchers and leaders from across the sector.

I came away with new ideas, new perspectives and a renewed appreciation for the power of research-informed practice. The atmosphere throughout the conference was welcoming, inclusive and genuinely collaborative.

A sincere thank you to the organisers, speakers and participants for creating such a positive learning experience. There was an incredible depth of expertise in every session, yet the conference never felt overwhelming—just engaging, supportive and thought-provoking.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn and connect with others who are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.

A year ago, I never would have imagined I’d be standing in DCU presenting my doctoral research as part of the Research on Walls!

Very proud to present the picture that represents Leadership in the Space Between, Positioned at the threshold of the school gate, it captures the space between home and school where school-based related anxiety and patterns of absenteeism begin to emerge. This “space between” is not only physical, but relational and emotional, where children may feel uncertain, disconnected, or unable to enter.

A very special day — and a reminder that growth often begins outside your comfort zone 💙

✨

Moving into an autism class can feel like a big step.

As a teacher with over 20 years’ experience in autism, special education and mainstream… and as a parent of four, I understand both the professional and personal sides of this journey.

I’m running a FREE, practical and supportive session with Dublin West Education Centre next week for teachers making that transition.

This session will focus on:
✔️ What actually works in the classroom
✔️ Practical strategies you can use straight away
✔️ Building confidence in your role

If you’re thinking about moving into an autism class, or have recently started, you are very welcome. Dublin West Education Centre

👉 Link to register: https://www.dwec.ie/cpd-courses-dwec/primary-courses-dwec/2794-26spr62-moving-into-an-autism-class-practical-guidance-for-primary-teachers.html

23 years ago this week, I came to Maynooth for an interview for a Master’s in Education. I remember sitting in the car with my 6-month-old baby wondering if I was good enough and what I was doing.

I took the chance anyway.

That one decision led to years of learning, teaching, growth and opportunities I never imagined — all while being mam to four.

If this encourages anyone thinking of going back to education or taking a chance on themselves, do it. You never know where one step might lead. 💙

What do inclusive classrooms actually look like in a primary school?

This free webinar focuses on the real, day-to-day practice of inclusion—what works in real classrooms, not just theory.

Open to all primary teachers across different settings.

In this webinar I’ll share:
✔️ Supporting children transitioning from autism class
✔️ Simple, practical strategies for mainstream teachers
✔️ The importance of communication between teachers
✔️ Real examples—what worked and what didn’t

Because inclusive classrooms aren’t about doing everything…

They’re about:
🔹 small steps
🔹 consistency
🔹 working together

📅 Tuesday, 28th April @ 7pm
📍 Online – Dublin West Education Centre

🔗 Book here:
https://www.dwec.ie/cpd-courses-dwec/primary-courses-dwec/2836-26spr90-supporting-successful-integration-practical-strategies-for-mainstream-teachers.html

Dublin West Education Centre

This little Playmobil ambulance changed everything…

Transitions can be really difficult for some children.

I worked with a child who struggled to move from the main door into the classroom.

Every morning, I waited…
and waited…

Eventually, they would come with me.

It’s not easy when you know the rest of your class is inside waiting.
But this is what you do—you build trust.

I tried different things—bubbles, encouragement…

But once they were in the classroom, they were happy and settled.
Mam was worried.

One day, I brought out a Playmobil ambulance and said:

“Let’s drive it to our classroom.”

The child took it and drove it all the way in.

From that day on, the ambulance became our transition object.
And they came in every morning.

✨ The key is not to rush
✨ It’s to wait
✨ Build the relationship
✨ And find the child’s interest

In this case… it was the ambulance🚑

💬 Have you found something that helps with transitions?

Reverse integration changed everything in our classroom.

Over time, I realised that inclusion works best when it’s not just about one child joining a classroom — but about creating real opportunities for connection between mainstream and autism classes.

This free online session is designed for mainstream class teachers who want to better support autism classes in their schools in practical, meaningful ways.

We’ll look at:
✔️ How reverse integration works in practice
✔️ Building connections between classes
✔️ Supporting communication between teachers, SNAs and settings
✔️ Creating inclusive opportunities that benefit all children

Because inclusion is not the responsibility of one teacher or one classroom — it’s a whole school approach.

I’ll be sharing what has worked in my own setting, honestly and practically.

📅 April 28th
💻 Online
🎟 Free

If you’re interested, you can find more details here: https://www.dwec.ie/cpd-courses-dwec/primary-courses-dwec/2836-26spr90-supporting-successful-integration-practical-strategies-for-mainstream-teachers.html

I’d love to hear how inclusion works in your school!
Dublin West Education Centre