Annmarie Collins

Biography

Annmarie’s primary research interest lies in examining the educational experiences and sense of belonging among Irish Traveller students within educational settings, approached from an occupational therapy perspective focused on health and wellbeing. Her work is committed to investigating the use of the arts both as a method for capturing these educational experiences and as an effective approach for culturally responsive teaching and learning opportunities for Traveller students, for whom the arts are deeply rooted in culture and tradition. 

Annmarie brings over 14 years of experience supporting Travellers in education. She has worked extensively as a primary school teacher in DEIS schools, within Traveller advocacy organisations, and in teacher training services. Her work has focused on addressing systemic barriers faced by Travellers in education, developing teaching tools and resources that reflect Traveller history and culture, and facilitating culturally responsive teacher programmes. 

In September 2023, she was honoured to be awarded funding from the Tobar initiative, which is designed to support PhD candidates from the Traveller community in pursuing doctoral research opportunities.