Breakthrough Maths is continuing its expansion ahead of the start of the new school year. The online educational provider has increased the number of tutors in Ireland to 28 and has hired a full-time Head of Education.

Shane O’Connell has more than 17 years of experience as a teacher, Deputy Principal and Principal in Cork, Dublin, Galway and 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 the 5th of September. It is also hosting a back-to-school catch-up course on the 22nd of August. The 5-day course covers the fundamentals of maths and consists of one grind per day.

It started in a community centre in Cork in 2020 with just two tutors before moving online. Breakthrough Maths is also expanding into the UK, with classes there starting on the 12th of September. The Cork headquartered company has initially contracted five tutors in the UK. 

Founder of Breakthrough Maths TJ Hegarty says:

Shane O’Connell is a fantastic addition to our school bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. We’ve expanded rapidly since we first started less than three years ago and hiring a Head of Education or Principal ensures that we can maintain and build upon the high standards and quality classes that our students and their parents expect. Shane will be making sure that each student is in the right class for their ability, will be 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 five tutors already on board there.

Breakthrough Maths Head of Education Shane O’Connell added:

I’ve always had a passion for maths and trained as an actuary before finding my true calling in teaching. I’m delighted to join Breakthrough Maths and I’m looking forward to the classes getting underway in the coming weeks. 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 two-time All-Ireland Maths Champion has been teaching maths since he was in 4th year in Coláiste Críost Rí. He is currently studying Electronic Engineering at UCC. 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.

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