ABOUT US

We ARE …

**a community of students and teachers who are committed to teaching climate and ecological literacy in schools across Ireland.**
**We work together to build dynamic, educational programs and workshops that build confidence and inspire climate action in our schools and communities.**

We want to …

**We want to empower teachers to bring climate and biodiversity education into their classrooms by providing free resources and community support.**

we believe that

Climate and nature education is a priority and should be woven into the fabric of school life from primary through to secondary school

our mission is to reimagine our education system

and foster a culture of agency and empowerment steering away from a culture of apathy and acceptance. Working together we can create a community that sees nature as something with its own inherent value rather than a resource to be exploited. Education should inspire critical thinking and active democracy ensuring that everyone feels that they have a role in shaping a better future.

Meet the Team

Patrick Kirwan

FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
To engage his students with nature, Patrick established an Environmental Leadership Development Programme while teaching science in London. On returning to Ireland, he replicated the model in Ardscoil na Mara, Co. Waterford. In March, 2021 he founded the ISSN to build partnerships with the hope of changing the education system from within. He has developed a series of national initiatives including the Climate and Nature Summit, 5 Minutes of Sustainability, and Bitesize Biodiversity.
patrickkirwan@ardscoilnamara.ie
mary moore

DIRECTOR
Mary is a primary school teacher in Clerihan N.S. in Tipperary. She is interested in STEM education, education for sustainable development and outdoor learning. She has been involved in numerous ISSN initiatives including the Climate and Nature Summit.
mary@issn.ie
Codie Preston

PROGRAMME MANAGER
Codie is a science & biology teacher in Rockbrook Park School in Dublin and is currently on a career break to focus on managing programmes within the ISSN. His passion for nature and concern for the environment is what motivates him. He represented the ISSN at the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss and has the responsibility for Youth Action for the ISSN. Codie created the ISSN Student Ambassador program and it is not in its second year. Outside of school he is also involved in the GAA Green Clubs programme as well as other community initiatives.
codie@issn.ie
Christine Mullan-Jensen

ISSN COORDINATOR
Christine has joined the ISSN for the academic year 2025-2026 as ISSN coordinator while LK is on mat leave. She is an environmental psychologist and qualitative researcher. Her work in ISSN compliments her work in Repsychable where she conducts research in topics relating to environmental psychology. Her core research interest is biodiversity and she will bring her experience to our Bitesize Biodiversity programme, our Climate and Nature Summit and our monthly meetups with teachers and students to name a few.
christine@issn.ie
Florence

ISSN MEMBER
Florence is a SEN and Creative Study teacher in Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, on Arranmore Island, Co. Donegal. She originally grew up in the suburb of a middle size French town, but was always connected to nature. Leaving now in a rural environment, she feels strongly in tune with nature and the need to protect it. Being part of ISSN allows the island school to join other schools, creating greater opportunities to promote sustainability and bounds.