Kitty Mulligan, Deputy principal at Loreto Secondary School, Crumlin, Dublin.

What's it like to work in Loreto Crumlin?

I have worked at this school for my whole teaching career and it has been really satisfying. We are part of the great Loreto tradition of education. There is a warm relationship between the teachers and the students here and I particularly enjoy the extra curricular activities this school is so strong on - sport, debating and music.

How does this job compare to your last job?

Before becoming deputy principal I taught English and history full time, now I only teach two classes in between organising substitutes, hiring new staff and enrolling students. There's more variety to this job.

What's the best part of your job?

Meeting lots of new people.

What's the hardest part of your job?

Trying to find substitutes. We have over 40 teaching staff at this school and getting subs requires considerable resourcefulness.

Where's the best place in Loreto to retreat to when it all gets too much?

Home.

Who's your education idol?

Two former teachers from this school, both now deceased - Sister Cecily and Cáit Cooper. They were talented, inspirational teachers who both contributed a great deal to the musical ethos of this school.

If you could change one thing about Loreto, what would it be?

The amount of students doing part-time work. It's detrimental to attendance, punctuality and academic performance. School is a full-time job.

What's unique about Loreto Crumlin?

The warm atmosphere and great staff-student relations.