It’s all adding up...
An online educational provider based in Cork has hired a fulltime principal ahead of the start of the new school year.
Breakthrough Maths is continuing its expansion with the new appointment, bringing the number of tutors within the programme to 28 across Ireland.
New principal Shane O’Connell has more than 17 years of experience as a teacher, deputy principal and principal in Cork, Dublin and Galway. He has also taught in international schools.
The Tipperary native will be ensuring that the highest quality of classes are maintained as well as mentoring and coaching tutors.
Breakthrough Maths caters for students from 5th class in primary school right through to Leaving Certificate level in secondary school. Weekly classes return on 5 September.
It is also hosting a 5 day back-to-school catch-up course on 22 August which covers the fundamentals of maths.
Breakthrough Maths started in a community centre in Cork in 2020 with just 2 tutors before moving online. The project is also expanding into the UK, with classes there starting on 12 September. The company has initially contracted 5 tutors in the UK.
Company founder TJ Hegarty said the new appointment will ensure and build upon the high standards and quality classes that students and their parents expect.
He said: “Shane O’Connell is a fantastic addition to our school bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Shane will be making sure that each student is in the right class for their ability, while liaising with parents and supporting tutors in their ongoing development.
“It is an exciting time for Breakthrough Maths. We’re well on track to teaching 3,000 students each week by 2025 and we’re just weeks away from beginning classes in the UK with 5 tutors already on board there.”
New principal Shane O’Connell added: “I’ve always had a passion for maths and trained as an actuary before finding my true calling in teaching. Having taught in both primary and secondary schools, I understand that parents need to know their children are learning from experienced, vetted and coached tutors. My job will be to oversee the quality of teaching and to hire, train and mentor the brightest and most engaging tutors across the country.”
One of the Breakthrough Maths tutors is Luke Quigley from Cork. The 2-time All-Ireland Maths Champion has been teaching maths since he was in 4th year in Coláiste Críost Rí.
He said: “For me, it’s about keeping students engaged. I studied drama for 11 years and find it really helpful when I’m trying to convey difficult concepts to students who might be struggling. It’s important for me to keep the classes fun as well as being able to communicate how to solve each problem.”
For more information or to book a class, visit breakthroughmaths.com, or email info@btmaths.com.